This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from Monday the 25th of February to Sunday the 10th of March.

Fairtrade is a different take on trade and is based on partnerships between disadvantaged farmers and labourers in developing countries and us (the consumer that buy their products).

When farmers have the opportunity to sell on Fairtrade terms, it ensures the farmer gets a better deal for their produce allowing them to live better lives and plan for the future.

Fairtrade offers us a chance as Irish consumers to impact poverty in a powerful and meaningful way by reducing poverty through everyday shopping. Fairtrade standards ensure that products are socially and economically fair and environmentally responsible. Year after year bigger commitments to Fairtrade are being made and maintained.

In 2017 growth in Fairtrade sales in Ireland soared to 26% the highest growth rate in the world. Maltesers and Kikkat continue to be Fairtrade Certified. 100% coffee commitments continue from partners such as Bewleys and Insomnia. Lidl leads the sales of Fairtrade bananas and Aldi’s new Fairtrade tea is set to double the sale of Fairtrade teas in Ireland. Dunnes Stores saw 30% growth in Fairtrade organic bananas in 2017. Tesco Ireland has the 2nd highest share of Fairtrade bananas and 5 Tesco Finest Fairtrade wines. Musgraves, Supervalu, Centra and Londis now have Fairtrade own-label products such as coffee pods, coffee and tea.

While Ireland is making great progress there is still a long way to go. By buying Fairtrade chocolate, bananas, tea, sugar, cocoa, coffee or wine in your local supermarket you can have a huge global impact. Find out more about the impact Fairtrade can have in communities by taking a look at the stories of Sara Montoya from the COOPCAFER coffee co-op in Colombia, and Blas Arismendis Marcelinos for the BANELINO banana co-op in the Dominican Republic.

To find out more about how you can support sustainability and Fairtrade initiatives in a practical way check out the links below.

  • With the Irish Government because they are one of the biggest spenders in Ireland and by asking them for a Fair and Green Procurement Policy
  • In Schools – through engaging with our educational materials
  • In Colleges – by making your campus a Fairtrade College
  • With Irish retailers – because only 9% of bananas sold in Ireland are Fairtrade
  • In our Workplaces – because it’s a great way to increase the volume of Fairtrade coffee, tea and other products that are sold.

More information is available on the Fairtrade website: https://www.fairtrade.ie/get-involved/

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Want to learn more about the Business Incentive Schemes we have to offer click here for more information.