Thousands of Fairtrade communities including churches, schools and universities are throwing local birthday parties from 4 October highlighting the most 'iconic' Fairtrade products. Fairtrade raises money for millions of people who lose out from trade such as cocoa farmers who earn as little as 74p per day.
The first Fairtrade products to be launched in the UK included Cafédirect, Clipper tea, Green & Black’s and Percol Coffee in 1994. There are now 5,000 certified products on sale in the UK.
Michael Gidney, chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Twenty-five years ago most companies paid little attention to the human cost of their business and most people were unaware of the poverty and degradation that was the reality of life for millions of farmers and workers around the world.
“Fairtrade set out to change that and put people and the planet before profit. Many said it couldn’t be done, but the public took Fairtrade to their hearts and into their shopping baskets from day one.
“Together we led a revolution in the way food is traded. Millions around the world now benefit from fairer trading terms and better working conditions than would ever have been possible before.”
According to research by Kantar ‘Fairtrade is the most visible ethical label in the UK’ as it is recognised by nine out of ten people and it is trusted by 84% of people.
Gidney added: “Today Fairtrade products are widely available and our values have been embraced by some of the UK’s biggest businesses from Waitrose and the Co-op to Greggs and Ben & Jerry’s.
“This is an extraordinary beginning, but still millions of farmers and workers continue to face risks every day from climate change, price volatility and unscrupulous buyers. We must end this exploitation, which makes people poorer and the planet dirtier.”