2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Fairtrade, the most widely recognised and trusted ethical labelling scheme in the world.

 

Evolving from a grassroots movement to a global phenomenon, Fairtrade has provided three decades of practical commitment and solidarity to more than two million men and women across the world who produce the items we rely on every day – from coffee, chocolate and wine, to cotton, gold and footballs.

But what has this got to do with your business? For companies who care about the provenance of the products they use daily, switching a few basics such as tea, coffee and sugar to Fairtrade certified sources makes perfect business sense.

This Fairtrade Fortnight, Fairtrade Guernsey is encouraging you to Be The Change, by picking up Fairtrade products and speaking up for fairer trade.

Guernsey has been a Fairtrade Island since 2006. Local businesses have always played an important role in maintaining this status; from retailers and catering establishments, who have maximised the range, volume and visibility of Fairtrade products available, to non-supplier businesses, who have embraced the concept of the ‘Fairtrade Workplace’ by buying only Fairtrade certified refreshments for their staff and clients. Switching to Fairtrade is an effective way for businesses to demonstrate their sustainability credentials via a scheme that has a high level of public recognition and trust.

Rocq Capital, a Guernsey-based privately owned investment management business, has been serving Fairtrade coffee, tea and sugar in their St Peter Port offices since 2016. Natalie Hutley-Hurst, Head of Legal and Operations at Rocq Capital explains this decision:

“We strive to integrate sustainability into our DNA and make positive, meaningful and long-lasting changes. We believe through Fairtrade we can make a difference to the lives of people who grow things we love. By taking small steps together, globally we can support small scale farmers and workers who are marginalised from trade in a variety of ways.”

If your business is interested in becoming a Fairtrade Workplace, Fairtrade Guernsey would love to hear from you.

Visit their website www.fairtradeguernsey.com or get in touch at info@fairtradeguernsey.com.

If you have already made the switch and are looking for other ways to celebrate Fairtrade’s 30th anniversary, here are some ideas:

  • Organise a fun staff event. For example, a Fairtrade bake-off, breakfast, quiz or blind tasting.
  • Gather some colleagues and book a table at Fairtrade Guernsey’s guided wine tasting event on Thursday 19th September at the Old Government House Hotel. Tickets are available through the Fairtrade Guernsey website.
  • Make a Fairtrade display as a daily reminder of the impact that your purchasing decisions are having on people and planet. Your Fairtrade Workplace certificate will take pride of place!
  • Share pictures of your Fairtrade celebrations and connect with other campaigners on social media. Don’t forget to tag @FairtradeGuernsey.

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 9th to 22nd September 2024.

Resources and details on how to participate can be found at www.fairtradeguernsey.com.