Shoppers go mad for Fairtrade (From Wiltshire Times)
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Shoppers go mad for Fairtrade
10:50am Thursday 28th February 2008 in Melksham By Charley Morgan
From left, Martin Wheatley, Sue Metcalfe,Tina Broom, Jackie Young, Gail Weaver Janet Bainton, front, and Carol McMillan
SHOPPERS visiting a Melksham supermarket on Tuesday found Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare enjoying a cup of tea from a giant teapot.
Staff at the Co-op in Blackmore Road, celebrated the switch of all the chain's own-brand tea to Fairtrade with a Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
The event coincided with the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, the annual celebration that aims to raise the profile of Fairtrade Mark products.
The products ensure a better deal for growers in developing countries by guaranteeing fair prices and an additional social premium to fund vital community projects. The move on tea will benefit growers in some of the world's poorest countries, including Malawi, which is producing Fairtrade tea for the first time.
Store manager Sue Metcalfe said: "We don't mind going a little mad if it helps to promote this tea-riffic initiative."
The Co-op has now switched all its tea, coffee and hot chocolate to Fairtrade and is the first UK retailer to do so.
Shoppers were also able to pick up free Fairtrade tea samples on Tuesday and The Co-operative is offering 20 per cent off all Fairtrade products until March 9.
