Store staff most influential force in Fairtrade

Whatever happens at HQ, the lowest paid staff in the retail world have the most direct influence on what the customer buys. It's they who actually keep the products on display; they who speak direct to their friends about what's good to buy; they who often simply override what HQ say anyway !! So we think Fairtrade needs to be better explained to shop staff.

Shops do not need 2 varieties of exactly the same product as in this irish supermarket. The space would be better used for another new Fairtrade product. This shop doesn't have the Fairtrade alternative to After Eight Mints, and its 4 weeks before Christmas !!

Retailers lack attention to detail

So Starbucks double their Fairtrade coffee purchases for next year ! Hurray...but is that even 10% of their total coffee purchases ? We would be more appreciative of efforts like Equal Exchange's fantastic range of organic Fairtrade Rooibos Teas, which are not only Fairtrade, but are processed and packed at source, so a much larger proportion of the price paid by consumers stays in the producer country. Checkout www.equalexchange.co.uk

Fairtrade is cheaper !

Wo says Fair trade is more expensive ? Have you seen the Tesco packet of 80 Fairtrade Teabags for just 28p (sterling) ? Has anyone seen them in Ireland ?

Fairtrade Xmas Present for your priest

The time for buying Christmas presents is nigh. And Fairtrade is the way to go. For those who attend a church in Ireland..why not buy your priest or rector a Fairtrade cotton clergy shirt ? check them out at http://www.fairtradeclergyshirts.com/ . Cool, stylish and a true reflection of what Xmas is all about.

And to go with that, Fairtrade Communion Wine, now available all over Ireland from Rathbornes the candle people on 01 809 8600, or sales@lalor.ie

And this week sees us beginning the process of opening up new distribution options for Fairtrade in Ireland. So if you know of any products that deserve more exposure here in Ireland, let us know.