Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 runs from the 23rd of February to the 8th of March.
Win this hamper!
Fairtrade is now more important than ever: poor people are the ones most direly affected by economic recessions. While we might all be feeling the pinch here, it’s hard to comprehend how delicate existence can be for the poorest of the poor. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall wrote an eloquent defence of Fairtrade in the Guardian on Saturday, which is really worth a read.
We’ll be paying special attention to Fairtrade food this week, with updates on events, recipes and a Fairtrade giveaway – you could win a delicious Fair Break Hamper from the Oxfam Ireland Fair Trade Online Shop.
The Fair Break Hamper is a reusable cloth hamper packed full of treats for your coffee break, including:
-
Fair Break Hamper
Cafedirect Organic Roast and Ground Coffee 227g
- Teadirect 80 Teabags
- Chocolate Chip Cookies 200g
- Liberation Nuts lightly salted 100g
- Divine Dark Chocolate bar 150g
- Divine Milk Chocolate bar 100g
- Mango and Brazil Bar 40g
- Date and Walnut Bar 40g
- Burnt Sugar Original Fudge 180g
- Apricot and Raisin Geobar box of 6
To win this superb hamper, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling us whether or not you buy Fairtrade food, and why. There’s no right or wrong answers, we just want to hear your opinions.
Terms
- This competition is only open to residents of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Do not enter this competition if you are outside the island of Ireland.
- Please make sure you leave a working email address with your comment (email addresses will not be publicly displayed) so we can contact you for your details.
- Please do not comment more than once, if we see more than one comment from the same address we will delete all your comments and you will no longer be eligible for the competition. If you have questions about the competition, use our contact form.
- The competition will close at noon on Monday 9th March, and the winner will be announced later that day.
- There is no cash alternative for this prize.
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 1:35 am
Whether or not the appropriate share of the funds get directly to the producer or not, its surely a step in the right direction.
It needs to be supported and also held up & scrutinised regularly to ensure the core values are being delivered on and that customer and producer are getting closer, reducing the middleman’s role and power to that of mere facilitator.
Same goes for Irish farmers and producers. Don’t let Tesco’s revamp of distribution (and others to follow) dampen local spirits. Buy local, its better for you anyway!
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I try to buy fairtrade if I can. Have had some good, bad and excellent coffee. I don’t go out of my way to find it, but if the option is there I go for it.
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I buy fairtrade chocolate, coffee and sugar always, and will be keeping an eye out for other fairtrade products. It is a far from perfect system, and in need of evolving into something that rewards producers for improved produce or better, more environmentally sound production methods. However, it remains the best way to ensure that the farmer gets a fair price for his product, and makes me feel better about what I’m spending my money on!
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I buy as much fairtrade produce as I can – however with money a bit tighter its hard to go for the slightly higher priced option in favour of an offer
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I prefer to buy fairtrade; especially when there are viable options as in coffee and chocolate. Often fairtrade products are too dear for me though!
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Our main aim when shopping is to;
1. buy local, where possible, and
2. when it’s not possible to buy local (bananas, coffee, etc.), buy fair trade.
The fair trade option is even more important to us, since watching a documentary film, called ‘Black Gold’….
http://www.blackgoldmovie.com
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I buy fairtrade coffee always, and chocolate some of the time. I find that there is a relatively large price difference between different brands though.
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 5:30 pm
um.. fail to be convinced by fairtrade. both from a quality point of view (being selfish i thought i’d mention that first) but also from an ethical viewpoint. there are numerous flaws in the structuring & monitoring.
unfortunately there is rarely a black & white.
reminded me of this:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2461426.ece
slightly off subject i know.
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I don’t drink coffee so that rules that out! But I would buy FairTrade chocolate regularly, especially when Aldi carry a range – then I buy loooads!
Tuesday 24 February, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I try to buy fairtrade goods as much as possible as I feel it is right that people should get a fair price in return for their hard work.I would like to keep as much of my cash as possible from getting into the hands of big corporations who exploit people for profit. Every little helps !
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 10:50 am
I buy Fairtrade goods when I can. Often I would give them as gifts or stocking stuffers at Christmas, decorate presents with them and bring coffee and chocolates to a friend instead of or as well as a bottle of wine.
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 11:14 am
I buy fairtrade whenever I can. Geldof and Bono are thorns in the sides of many but I think the Live8 did raise a certain amount of awareness. I love fair trade chocolate, tea and hot chocolate – not just because I feel less guilty buying it but also it’s superior taste and quality.
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 11:28 am
I have to admit fairtrade is not something I have been overly conscious of, although recently I have bought fairtrade chocolate in lidl (yum yum).
My mother however told me recently that the fairtrade tea bags from Robt Roberts are even nicer than Barrys … praise indeed 🙂
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Buying fairtrade is better even if there are flaws it is a step in the right direction and with aldi carrying brands it is available for even the budget concious
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I try to be conscious about buying fair trade where I can (especially coffee and chocolate) – one always wonders if the money being distributed as it should – however I do feel it is a step in the right direction.
I think we should all support and encourage local producers. This is the way to go!
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 2:26 pm
My normal shopping habit is to buy fairtrade when possible. I would be keen to see the major coffee roasterys in the Republic, Northern Ireland and the UK take more responsibility for the product they are roasting and selling to the masses. We all know the coffee industry, just like our banks, is ran by corrupt and greedy officials that are only interested in lining their own pockets. I hope to see some of you at the public talk on the 2nd March where we will finally see a Palestinian fairtrade Olive Oil being actively launched to the Irish consumers!
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Hi all,
I love to buy Fairtrade but often the price is prohibitive.
Last week I was surprised and really happy to be able to purchase four teeshirts very nice and well within my budget in Tesco. This made me feel doubly good, firstly haven got a bargain and secondly the people that made them getting a fair price.
I also love when Lidl have specials on their Fairtrade products I always pick them up.
Maybe in the future more companies like Penneys could turn round the bad press they get re child labour by sourcing more Fairtrade items.
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I find that the FairTrade brand does not cover all of the fair pay/sustainable products available on the Irish market.
I do attempt to buy ethically and environmentally sound items, where possible, and I also support small and/or local producers by shopping at the English Market in Cork, or at farmer’s markets.
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Buy their sugar and chocolate, yummy
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Would always try to buy fairtrade but only when buying things that aren’t made locally – gotta keep those airmiles down!
Wednesday 25 February, 2009 at 11:38 pm
As someone with the shaky hands and chattering teeth of a pasty-faced caffeine junkie, Fair Trade is a reliable asset in my attempt to fend off the guilt associated with being fortunate enough to live in a situation where I can pursue my entirely frivolous addiction. As far as I can see, the idea is that when you’re consuming something as completely self-indulgent and hedonistic as coffee or chocolate, the irony of denying those who satisfy our wants a fair wage upon which they can survive, should be overpowering. Everytime someone switches to Fair Trade, or a cafe or restaurant moves to Fair Trade products (such as the Manor Mills cafe in Maynooth recently has), we’re attempting (albeit it in an imperfect manner) to improve the lot of those upon whose toil our indulgences rely on. As long as cash crops are still crucial to the economics of the Third World, Fair Trade (in some form) is vital.
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 9:00 am
Tesco’s Fairtrade Tea is very acceptable and at almost half the price of most of the other brands, it’s a regular in my shopping basket. How can they deliver a Fairtrade product so cheaply??
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 11:44 am
I’ve been behind Fairtrade products for a few years now. I do buy fairtrade food when possible – although at times it’s difficult to get your hands on it, and you have to go far out of your way to find some! Usually coffee and chocolate are the easiest to find, and they’re yummy too! I adore really dark fair trade chocolate, it’s gorgeous. I’ve also tried dried fruit, which turned out to be a lot nicer than I expected!
There are a few shops in Cork City which are getting much better at stocking fair trade items, and it’s really heartening to see it. Hopefully a lot more people will spot it in places like Tesco and consider putting it in their shopping basket!
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I buy Fair Trade products whenever possible. I think it’s the least I can do to help promote fairness. I think that people should be paid a fair price for their products and if more people made the simple change to purchasing Fair Trade products, life would be much better for the developing countries.
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I purchase Fair Trade products whenever and whereever possible because I believe….. our support is vital, the products are excellent and while Fair Trade is a Must….. these products you can trust.
Come what may – I always say….
For Freshness and Fairness –
switch to “Fair Trade Products” today !
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Relatively new to Fairtrade but enjoyed what I’ve tried so far – coffee and chocolate. Will be trying the rest of the range.
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Bananas and chocolate, yes. Haven’t noticed the Fairtrade mark on other items I buy (I don’t drink coffee).
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I buy fairtrade when I see it and am alert enough to think of it (though I would sometimes choose a bargain over a fairtrade option). I’ve always thought that I’d like to see more choice, more products available but having read the comments above I’m off to Lidl to search for fairtrade chocolate (which I just forgot I’m off for Lent!). Maybe those nuts then – hamper looks fabulous, must look into buying some of those products
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 4:36 pm
After watching a documentary on C4 about the coffee growers plight and the fight they are going through with the trading prices I made a conscious decision to buy fair trade. I agree with some of the other posters that the price can be a bit expensive which is why I can’t buy everything fair trade, but I’m hoping every little helps.
Thursday 26 February, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I always buy Fairtrade coffee and chocolate; those are the two products where I’m most anxious about working and production conditions. I love both, but it’s just not possible to enjoy what are, in the final analysis, luxuries, if it’s probable that they were produced in conditions of unutterable misery by someone so much less fortunate than me.
Over the last year, I’ve been trying to be more responsible and more consistent in my approach to buying and consuming food. Although I couldn’t say that I always live up to my own aspirations, I believe that every penny we spend has the power to contribute either to change or to the status quo, and try to live that belief as much as I can.
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 12:25 am
I try to buy fair trade. I think the one thing the banking crisis has taught us is that the way of the future has to be based and sustainable and equitable trading relationships.
My father was a salesman and he used to talk alot about ‘growing the market’. The more people buy fairtrade products, the bigger the market.Prices will come down (while still giving the producers a fair deal) becuase of economies of scale. For example free range chickens used to be ludicrously expensive, now you can get them in Dunnes for €8.
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 12:29 am
Our economy is shrinking – our markets options are fewer than before – yet we have skilled people, a willing workforce, dreams and hopes for our children -all we want is a fairness in a way of work to allow our communities, towns and country to grow again. Who will buy our product for a fair price?
I think Fair Trade has finally come home to roost so when we purchase a Fair Trade product we are fulfilling our own aspirations. Thanks
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 10:44 am
There is little doubt that Fairtrade has done more than any other activity or trade movement to eradicate poverty and create sustainable development. Unfortunately, fair trade businesses are facing the same economic troubles that businesses in the North are facing as a result of the credit crunch; seemingly vibrant fair trade businesses are starting to fail because they do not have access to the credit financing that they need.
I work for Shared Interest, the world’s only 100% fair trade lender, and I can tell you that demand for our lending has never been higher. Sadly, demand is outstripping supply – we are at our lending limits.
If you would like to learn more about how you can support fair trade, please visit the Shared Interest website – http://www.shared-interest.com.
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 11:44 am
I buy fairtrade when I can find it and when it fits into my dietary restrictions (I’m gluten sensitive which is a PITA)
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I buy fairtrade as much as I can. Chocolate, honey, tea, bananas and coffee are the easy options. There is a good podcast available on the lse website (london school of economics) about the history of fairly traded goods and the fair trade brand that I would recommend to anyone who is starting to become interested in the topic (not sure if I can advertise that here – I’m not affiliated in any way, it is genuinely a good listen!)
I think it’s a great step to raise awareness that our food comes from somewhere – that has a knock on effect on other awareness.
The economics of the brand are facinting too but for now, high fives all round for a tasty square of fair trade dark choc.
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I buy fair trade bananas, chocolate, tea… anything I shop for that has a fair trade option, I try to buy that option. I think it’s wonderful that for a very small bit of extra money a week, I can help developing world communities.
Contributing to their economy is more important than giving them the money via a charity, as fair trade helps the, to support themselves and their communities, which saves them from the potentially unscrupulous practices of multinationals, and gives the community a sense of pride and purpose.
Friday 27 February, 2009 at 4:27 pm
i try to be ethical in my shopping but i am on a budget (unemployed student)…but fair trade chocolate is the best!
Saturday 28 February, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Everyone should support Fairtrade because it is a very good cause and all should support coffee shops who brew Fairtrade Coffee, why not and it tastes very good.
Monday 2 March, 2009 at 10:04 am
I buy Fairtrade every now and then but couldn’t class myself as a hardcore consumer. I tend to buy the same Fairtrade items (e.g. teabags, bananas, chocolate) over again.
Monday 2 March, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I buy the bananas and coffee (the only things that i think are available in my local Tesco). I’d probably buy more if it was available. (Plus the bananas are actually cheaper than the non-Fairtrade ones.)
Monday 2 March, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I buy fairtrade chocolate and coffee because it’s the best.
Tuesday 3 March, 2009 at 10:16 am
Fairtrade Coffee, Tea and Chocolate is great and I buy when available. I would like to see more Fairtrade products available. You can be guaranteed that by supporting Fairtrade that you are helping people to get paid fairly for their work rather than lining the pockets of the fat cats.
Tuesday 3 March, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I buy fairtrade if I see it when shopping. The difficulty is that there is a very limited range of fairtrade goods available in most supermarkets – usually just tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas, occasionally sugar and biscuits and very little else. I also think that we need fairtrade in Ireland too – many of the farmers and other suppliers to the big supermarkets are not getting a fair price for their chickens, carrots etc because of the competition. I would definitely pay a few cent more if I knew for definite (ie: the product was labelled) that the Irish supplier was being paid a fair price. I don’t think Fairtrade should necessarily mean higher prices either – the supermarkets or wholesalers should pay a fair price and take less profit so that the trade is fair both to the supplier and to the consumer.
Wednesday 4 March, 2009 at 8:57 am
I do like to go for Fairtrade products when the option is there.
Having said that, in the current economic situation (as a family we’ve had some severe cuts in income last month) I struggle with those choices and tend to go for the cheaper options instead. Doesn’t help my conscience but needs must.
Wednesday 4 March, 2009 at 11:50 am
Since doing my college dissertation on this subject, I try to buy as much Fairtrade as I can…I was delighted to hear today that Cadbury is moving into the Fairtrade forum- hopefully this will encourage other more “mainstream” producers to follow suit.
Wednesday 4 March, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I think that FairTrade is very inportant. It gives the people who make and pick the food, the money they deserve. Some people take advantage of poorer people – that is why FairTrade is there to help. Everyone is equal.
Wednesday 4 March, 2009 at 7:50 pm
only when all products bought and sold worldwide
carry quality verifiable information similar to energy
ratings will it be fair
Thursday 5 March, 2009 at 12:46 am
I try to buy FairTrade where possible, and when my weekly budget allows. I like that it is an ethical and practical way to provide a fair wage to those who are less fortunate then we are, while at the same time using my purchasing power to show the big retailers and suppliers that consumers do care and it’s not all about price.
Thursday 5 March, 2009 at 11:47 am
I have bought fairtrade coffee, tea and chocolate and was very happy with them. The teabags are particularly nice. I am involved with an organisation that tries to promote fairtrade, expecially during fairtrade fortnight.
I think it is a very useful way of buying good quality and having the dual effect of helping the producer. Modern supermarkets dont care about the producer, they just want cheap produce.
Thursday 5 March, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I buy fairtrade whenever I can….coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate and cotton being the easiest products to find.
I think it’s extremely important to support small producers, whether here or in developing countries, to avoid allowing monster companies to get a stranglehold on the market.
The Black Gold documentary, that a few people have mentioned here, is a real eye-opener, even for those already aware of the issues.
Unfortunately there is no fairtrade organisations across Europe (would love to hear contrary to this), and many workers in Eastern countries are working under appalling conditions. I am always happy to pay that bit more to support quality and care for all involved.