Wirral gives £10,000 to new Fairtrade projects

Mar 2 2011 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

SALES of Fairtrade products soared by 40% in 2010 showing no downturn on ethical values despite the tough economic times.

Figures released today by the Fairtrade Foundation reveal that every day in the UK, we are now consuming 9.3 million cups of Fairtrade tea, 6.4 million cups of Fairtrade coffee, 2.3 million chocolate bars and 3.1 million Fairtrade bananas.

New categories are also growing with over one million cosmetic products using Fairtrade ingredients also being sold in 2010.

Fairtrade Foundation’s executive director, Harriet Lamb, said: “Fairtrade is going from strength to strength because the public want it, it makes business sense, and most importantly because it’s working for the farmers, workers and their families who see Fairtrade as their lifeline in these tough times. They’ll be cheering to know that UK shoppers and businesses still care.”

Wirral is a Fairtrade Borough, and this year is allocating £10,000 for Fairtrade initiatives.

The money will be used to establish a network of Fairtrade champions representing local interest groups. They will produce ‘How To’ guides, spreading best practice around the borough.

Fairtrade inflatables will be flying at Council buildings during Fair Trade Fortnight which began last week. Events include Fairtrade markets on Saturday March 12 at Heswall Hall, Telegraph Road, (11am – 2pm), and at St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Pensby, (noon-2pm). There will also be a Big Brew Fairtrade Coffee Morning (10am-Noon) at St Andrews United Reformed Church, Greenwood Road, Meols on Saturday March 5, highlighting Fairtrade honey.

Jim O'Neil from Wirral Environmental Network said: “Over the last six years, we have worked in close partnership with Wirral Council, originally to help them through the process of successfully gaining Fairtrade status for the borough, and more recently to spread the good word far and wide. This is great news.”