Wish4 Fairtrade

Wish4 Fairtrade merchandise goes on sale

2010-12-20T18:42:00.000Z

Just a few days to Xmas, the perfect moment to get one's act together and launch a range of merchandise to help raise money for Fairtrade enterprise. So here it is !

Click here for Wish4 merchandise

With roads frozen, business struggling to deliver goods for the last minute panic buying frenzy, and everyone wanting the holiday to come sooner rather than later, it seems that opposing forces are the norm !!

Nobody working in accounts payable departments, but everyone able and willing to send out invoices early for the month end. Nobody paying attention to prices, so spray-on snow varies from 99c to €2.50 in shops no more than 200yds apart.

And tonight a complete lunar eclipse if only we can stay awake late enough / wake up early enough to appreciate such a once-in-a-few-years feat of nature.

2010-12-16T12:37:00.000Z

So, the big drinking season is upon us ! Another reason for supermarkets to actively encourage excessive alcohol consumption by selling 'slabs' of beer (24 cans in a shrinkwrap tray) for apparently irresitible prices. And all that Half Price wine, which must be illegal, because those wines have never been worth double the 'half price', as even a monkey could tell you.

So, what to do ? How to remain true to the values you espouse, amid the unsustainable consumerism, and in the face of a financial meltdown ?

Surely a perfect moment to really get used to the fact that your wallet is a weapon. Whatever you buy will be replaced on the shelf by another of the same. That's how retail stock control systems work. They are software packages. They are NOT thinking, intelligent, people. They dont distinguish right from wrong. Just full from empty. Cash or NO cash.

So your every purchase is a direct vote for the kind of products you want more of, and ultimately the kind of world you are actively creating around you. The things you aren't buying are also voted off the shelf just as directly. So despite what they say, it's not the thought that counts in Tesco, ASDA, Dunnes, SuperValu or ALDI and Lidl; it's the till receipt.

So how about a toast to fairtrade and organic wine , and a Wish4 a fairer world in 2011 ?

Cheers,

Bolder in Boulder but not yet in Kinsale

2010-12-08T17:45:00.000Z

In my town of Kinsale, we harbour some of the most intelligent life forms on earth. And today the good and the best gatherd to dissect the budget into the kind of detail that left me thinking.....well.....its no THAT bad is it. And I guess that's because many of us dont have massive pensions under threat, or property empires buoyed up by tax relief, or ministerial cars now havin got be down graded to under 2 litres.

So, back at the office, cashflow is king, and there are flickering candles at the ends of a few of the tunnels. So as we despatched great new orders of Fairtrade muffins just in time for Xmas, and are now in limbo while we speculate about what Jan 2011 will bring, someone sent me a link to the Unreasonable Institute in Boulder, Colorado
http://vimeo.com/15739837

A bit like the Positivity ladies in Cork, and the Transition Town movement, the future seems most likely to bring satisfaction if we take it upon ourselves to plant a tree, say thanks to bank clerks, and give our time to community initiatives.

And anyway, being unreasonable is not new to any of us here in Kinsale if the local car parking habits are anything to go by.

Kraft v Starbucks. Does Fairtrade win ?

2010-12-02T20:13:00.000Z

Today we read about Starbucks stepping up their efforts to stop Kraft selling Starbucks brand coffees through the world's biggest grocery store outlets, so they can go back to doing it themselves or hopefully with a more ethical partner.
Ironic that Kraft, which recently bought the big Cadbury fairtrade brand, now stands to lose the big Starbucks fairtrade brand. Clearly fairtrade plays absolutely no major part in the Kraft thinking, which is what any industry expert, or for that matter dog on the street, has always known.
Contrast that with a 'pure-as-the-driven-snow' motive behind Oromo Coffee Company where Ethiopian refugees in UK are bringing top quality Ethiopian organic fairrtade coffee from the home based communities direct to the public more so they can just have independence from the state benefit system, than to make a profit at all !

The average board director at Kraft, of course, has never actually set up a business, prefering to read about them in far away business school books, relying on money and contacts to fast track them to corporate riches, and the protection of legions of dispensable junior staff who bear what little responsibility Kraft recognises for real customer demands.
So, today, we take our hats off to the likes of Oromo, and the motivation that has got them going.

Global Warming & Fairtrade sorted

2010-11-26T19:59:00.000Z

Spent hours hours today debating Fairtrade as a concept and discovering that the world's CO2 emission problem could REALLY be solved by Coca Cola in just over 3 years ! What a day. And I had a gorgeous duck salad for lunch.
We Forest is a great response to climate change, and well worth checking out.
As for Fairtrade, the concept does cast the 'recipient' communities, and therefore potentially entire small nations in a particular relationship to the 'sharing/giving' countries.
Obviously the implication is that all other trade is 'unfair', and be that as it may, and I for one DO subscribe to that observation, it may indeed NOT be giving an entirely intended message to outsiders, that FT is about 'sharing among equals' rather than a means simply to feel good about handing out a donation to the needy. Divine chocolate and the likes are the real deal, but Cadbury and Nestle clearly are not. Sadly, not enough people have made that distinction. I hope they (YOU!) will from now on.
Todays recommended reading that partly inspired such thoughts is Stone Soup by one of Earth 2010's most thoughtful inhabitants, Bill Liao. Thanks Bill.

Israelis attack Fairtrade olive groves ?

2010-10-25T16:06:00.000+01:00

We read today that the olive farming families in Palestine are now even having their olive trees chopped down in areas neighbouring the west bank jewish settlements.
Zaytoun are an organisation trying to provide free and fair markets for the olive oil that has been grown here for decades, that deserves our support.
And the best way to do that is simply to buy their product in the shops. And to realise more and more that what we spend our ever decreasing family budget on is basically a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.
I heard that at a conference recently, and it sticks with me, because its true.
Buying cheap tea bags is just a vote for a world full of cheap tea bags. We get what we buy into ! Big time !
So, lets vote for Fairtrade, for freedom to trade, and for what we need rather than what we want.www.zaytoun.org

Bonn International Fairtrade Towns Conference Nov 5-7

2010-10-21T19:14:00.000+01:00

Today I took a look at the agenda for the upcoming International Fairtrade Towns conference to be held in Bonn Nov 5th-7th.

Good to see that several Lord Mayors of german towns will be sharing their stories of how Fairtrade is working in their communities. And I'm hoping a mayor or two will show up in Dublin for our own National Fairtrade Town Conference, later on Nov 19th/20th in Dublin.

Amazing to realise just how many people have given of their time, to take a stand for developing economies where banks just dont exist for people, and where being self sufficient is just part of day to day life. Not something we learn at school or at home. What would we do without expensive daily yogurts full of miracle molecules, or at least 10 flavours of crisps to get us fat ?

So, with UN World Food Day now 6 days behind us, and Xmas 64 days ahead, we can make changes. Someone said to me yesterday, the only way we'll create a better quality world, is by becoming better quality people.

So, whether in Bonn, Kinsale, Dublin, or Douglas Isle of Man, here's to quality in all our buying decisions at the shops tomorrow.

http://www.fairtradetowns.org/news/fourth-international-fair-trade-towns-conference/

See exactly where Wish4 Fairtrade sugar comes from

2010-10-19T22:22:00.000+01:00

Recession is not the best time to launch a business who's priority is a fair deal for people who live out of sight, in developing countries. But luckily in our two short years we just had our best month's sales to date. So, good news for those we work for. But with supermarkets busy expanding their ranges of cheap, unhealthy products, few buyers have the courage to deliver for the customers what they actually want.

Recent research by the CoOp shows that convenience, health and ethical sourcing are the 3 most important issues their customers want their buyers to pay attention to. But selling Coke on Special Offer gets the priority.

You have to wonder what is really in the minds of retailers who can't find 1 single can width of space on their shelves for a Fairtrade Cola, which trials show tastes good.

You also have to worry about those making multi million pound profit decisions who have never been to see what all the fuss is about. I have never met a buyer who returns from a fairtrade producer visit (which of course they dont even have to pay for) without a review of his blessed category taking place shortly after.

What are we to do to reach the Tipping Point in Fairtrade purchasing ? Well, if you want to set up a simple van delivery service for exclusively fairtrade products, we'd be happy to help. We believe that is a route to market that works well in troubled times. It gives shops more control over their stockholding, which can be more 'little and often', then 'piled high sold slowly'. And it allows distributors with a real value (and values) story behind their products to make contact with more discerning buyers, in a better targeted operation.

So, if you are interested in that kind of opportunity, why not get in touch, and see how we can work for the growers at this sugar plantation in Malawi.

Waterford Fairtrade City birthday

2010-10-14T18:35:00.000+01:00

Its that time of year, several Fairtrade Towns and Cities in Ireland are celebrating. Yesterday Waterford City marked 5 years of FT with a lunch served by the students at the WIT hospitality dept. Fairtrade wine, bananas, coffee, chocolate and much more was enjoyed by the organisers, the Waterford One World Centre, and guests including the mayor, the CEO of CHamber of Commerce, and the WIT President Ciaran O'Broin. It is hoped that Mairead Bonner and her catering team will soon offer Wish4 Fairtrade muffins along with the Fairtrade Coffee they have been serving to students for many a long year.

Mayor fo Kinsale celebrates 5th Fairtrade birthday

2010-10-11T23:06:00.000+01:00

Mayor Michael Frawley joined Michelle Kelleher, one of life's great town clerk's, and other staff for a giant cuppa to celebrate Kinsale's 5th birthday as a Fairtrade Town. The event co-incided with the annual Kinsale gourmet festival and the arrival of probably the first bottle of Fairtrade vodka in the country.
Should go down well with the Ubuntu Fairtrade Cola, and a packet of Liberation Fairtrade Salted Cashews, but you cant find that stuff very easily in Ireland yet.

20% OFF Wish4 Fairtrade in London

2010-09-30T12:43:00.000+01:00

Today came the invitation to join the irish party travelling to the International Fairtrade Towns conference in Bonn Nov 5/6th. A privilege.

And business is picking up. Leeds University are on the phone, the DBC Foodservice promotion is started, which means our products can be 'got' anywhere in UK now. And preparations for the Waterford Fairtrade City birthday Oct 13 is underway.

And of most relevance to you now, is this 20% OFF deal at Planet Organic all over London, or online, for Wish4 Fairtrade goodies.

Skibbereen Fairtrade Town

2010-09-20T12:29:00.000+01:00

The food festival season is at a height around now. Near us we have had Midleton Food Festival, and we look forward to Kinsale Gourmet Festival on October 7 & 8. But yesterday was the turn of Skibereen in West Cork to hold its food event, A whole week including an excellent conference on sustainable food production in Ireland. And the Fairtrade Town team were out on force showing off the new Wish4 Fairtrade snacks and confectionery in the open market.

People ask me about whether Fairtrade is better than buying local, or buying organic. And to me it seems these various important initiatives are all part of a move towards making sure we know what good food is, and where it comes from and how its paid for (including environmental costs !). So, unless we plan to grow sugar, coffee, oranges, and cotton here soon, or give up using them, Fairtrade is definitely a good option. Potatoes we can grow, and fatty foods we can give up, but a nice cup of tea and a snack bar with a Fairtrade guarentee should give us the best of all our worlds.

2010-09-10T16:01:00.000+01:00

Latest news from Wish4 is that you can now buy Wish4 direct online in the UK from the boys, and it is only boys at Premcrest, in Leeds. I think they have some special offers coming up on Wish4 as well, so not a bad time to click on the link below......

http://www.premcrest.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

Sainsbury is UK biggest Fairtrade retailer

2010-09-09T17:45:00.000+01:00

Bad news for CoOp lovers as Sainsbury is busy plastering its stores with 'No1 Fairtrade retailer' posters. The CoOp has been a bit compromised by its merging with Somerfield, and has thrown out new Fairtrade products and promotion opportunities in favour of 'harder hitting' price deals in the past few months. Sainsbury takes over the mantle, although we'd believe that Waitrose has at least an equally big 'heart' for Fairtrade it just has less stores. Sainsbury too has had offers to fill gaps in its Fairtrade ranging, but has left them empty to date, apparently worried about listing 'unknown brands', despite the fact that the Fairtrade logo itself carries more credibility internationally than anything any grocery retailer can match.

So, who is really committed to Fairtrade....well, the growers of course, and the consumers, and the '100 percenters' who only trade in Fairtrade, and do not compromise their ethics. The price to pay for that seems to be to remain an 'unknown brand' ?

Fairtrade goes to the Electric Picnic

2010-09-01T18:47:00.000+01:00

Well, no sooner does the curtain come down on Greenbelt, than its time to erect a few tent poles just outside Dublin for this week's Electric Picnic. Amnesty International are just about to re-open their offices in Dublin, with a Fairtrade Cafe on the premises, and at the festival they will be running a 24 hour a day bingo session. Prizes every half an hour, and Fairtrade coffee and Wish4 muffins and snacks to go with them. The organisers are keen to promote Fairtrade and every year the majority of traders support this, and that's good news.

This week also sees the launch by DBC Foodservice in UK of the new Wish4 Fairtrade muffins and snack bars. Good news for lots of catering outlets across the land. Falmouth University is one group we know will be pleased about that.

We also continue to develop direct fairtrade supplier relationships a particualr African company in the biscuit and confectionery business. The biscuits are a bit dry all right, but the boiled sweets and toffees are looking good.

Greenbelt Festival - Fairtrade Muffins in demand

2010-08-29T23:57:00.000+01:00

This year the Christian Aid cafe at the annual Greenbelt Festival was host to Wish4 Fairtrade. A year ago Wish4 was still a dream, and we were at the festival as volunteers, learning just what a great festival it is. This year we're back as purveyors of the only Fairtrade muffins and hand baked, all natural snack bars on site. And with 20,000 festival goers to satisfy from dawn to dusk, its a great place to do a bit of market research. Clearly our chocolate and blueberry muffins are the stars of our modest show.
Great moments at the festival include the 'beer and hymns' session, about which some people had been wondering 'what is it really about ?'....to which the organisers....who contemplated the question for many hours.....were able to reply:- 'well....when you home in on its possible spiritual significance, and philosophical meaning, its best summed up as a time spent.....drinking beer........and......er.....er.......singing.....hymns ??!!'

Check it out !

Fairtrade Cost Cutting

2010-08-24T11:15:00.000+01:00

Costcutter stores througout Ireland are now listed for Wish4 Fairtrade's new range of Fairtrade confectionery, and bakery snacks. So next to the fairtrade coffee to go in these stores you can enjoy the taste of a healthy Fruit Nut Seed bar, or a traditional millioanire's Shortbread made in a way that guarentees growers a fair price, but also just tastes good. No preservatives, colourings, flavourings. Real butter NOT vegetable margarine, Real chocolate NOT chocolate flovaoured coating.
And if you're still Wishing4 your first experienc of this, just contact us now....We're very kind, and happy to grant your Wish4 free !

Cultivating Fairtrade in Dublin

2010-08-19T22:04:00.000+01:00

Today was World Humanitarian Day, and in Dublin the Cultivate Centre hosted an open day in the old ENFO offices in Suffolk Street at which Concern aid workers and others were discussing what they do, and inviting everyone to have a FREE fairtrade coffee. Concern is a great organisation, but few people know of Cultivate which is the irish centre for development of Transition Towns, and sustainable communities. All in all an excellent event. Hopefully as a wealthy (oh yes, even in deep recession that's a fact !) people, we find it in our ? hearts ? (and elsewhere) to do the right thing more regularly. So, a fairtrade toast (wine, coffee, vodka even) tonight to Concern, Fairtrade Mark Ireland, and Cultivate.

New Irish get fairtrade faster

2010-08-16T22:38:00.000+01:00

Another day talking to retailers on the ground about new Fairtrade products. Most revealing is the fact that the Wish4 Fairtrade range was most enthusiastically welcomed by a newcomer to Ireland. A very friendly manager at Costcutter, born somewhere outside of europe/USA.

Although Fairtrade is now taught in every national and secondary school in the land, shop managers seem mostly unaware, and are missing out on a chance to convert €000's in their annual sweet sales to €000's in Fairtrade sweet sales. And all those local students are their future customers too.

Fairtrade Twitterings

2010-08-13T10:24:00.000+01:00

After all these months, and over 400 tweets, I finally discovered the little button that gives you access to the DIRECT tweets that you receive from others. Like getting a reply to your message. Turns out I had a load of these, and embarrassingly had never followed up on them. So, apologies to Green Party minister Ciaran Cuffe, for those of you watching in Ireland, and to the likes of Shrewsbury Fairtrade Town, and certianly to Bangor Fairtrade Town for those of you watching in UK.

It showed me how useful Twittier can be in bringing together like minded people, and after a free trial of 'Tweet Adder' I think I'll be even more able to enjoy the growing international enthusiasm for Fairtrade.

I even came across a couple of overseas suppliers, and although Malawi has few twitterers, it is a special place for me, and one I would love to serve in a more practical way by helping develop small enterprises.

If I can do it to a standard approved by Enterprise Ireland, I guess I should be able to contribute to entrepreneurship in Malawi.

Not quite sure how that might work out, and meantime we have to focus on the day job which is all about getting college catering outlets well prepared for new terms with plenty of Wish4 Blueberry Muffins etc.

A day on the Fairtrade road

2010-08-11T11:56:00.000+01:00

Spent a day on the road selling yesterday. Not done that for a few years. I was mostly greeted with interest and courtesy, and just once with a 'well we wouldn't be interested in that boy' ! The Fairtrade message takes longer to get into shop managers minds (and onto shelves) than into the customers minds.

We all know we say things we never act on, but for these people, its their decisions that are holding up sales of Fairtrade products. Even in a Fairtrade town, shop owners can be clueless.

I was in a Costcutter store where the white sugar sachets by the take away coffee were Fairtrade, but the coffee wasn't. The manager seemed oblivious.

All of which convinced me of the opportunities out there.

The highlight of the day was the call on a garden centre cafe who loved our products, AND were meeting their coffee supplier later to make the switch to Fairtrade !

A match made somewhere in Africa...Fairtrade Coffee AND a Fairtrade Honey & Fruit Flapjack.

Fairtrade at Electric Picnic

2010-08-03T12:54:00.000+01:00

Preparations are well underway for Ireland's Electric Picnic festival in September. The organisers promote Fairtrade, which is great, and the Wish4 Fairtrade chocolate muffin is the Official Muffin of Electric Picnic this year. Amnesty will have supplies available in their 24 hour BINGO tent !

New Fairtrade Distributor for Ireland

2010-07-27T12:46:00.004+01:00

Today we can announce that Simply Wild have been appointed by Wish4 Fairtrade as distributor for Ireland. Based in Naas, Simply Wild have developed a good track record in distributing top quality food nationally, so we look forward to growing the business with their help. Another step forward is the listing of Wish4 products by the Barrys Group in Mallow. This gives Costcutter store owners the chance to expand the range of Fairtrade products they sell. The most important being the chance to offer a Fairtrade muffin with the Fairtrade coffee to go which most stores have today. Bewleys and Rob Roberts, Java Republic etc cannot (or will not) supply the snacks, so here is the best chance customers have to complete their Fairtrade 'snack stop' !

Fairtrade Buy 2 get 1 FREE

2010-05-20T14:27:00.003+01:00

Well, its not exactly Tesco taking over the world, but today marks the first ever Wish4 fairtrade Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer. Only available in SuperValu Kinsale, but nonetheless an interesting idea. Its on 'til June 12th, so we'll see how it goes. If you want it in your local Tesco, Dunnes, Superquinn, Sainsbury, Wal Mart or Morrisons, you'll have to ask them for it !

Fairtrade growing out of Ireland

2010-05-19T18:50:00.004+01:00

Having returned from the London Fairtrade Festival last week, its back to figuring out how to build up Fairtrade distribution in Ireland. Currently one distributor has a collection of wonderful fairtrade brands, but the products are not getting into the multiples or the BWG/Musgraves type foodservice acccounts. Strange, as the products all sell well in their type of outlets elsewhere.
Wish4 has made good progress in UK colleges and universities, but in Ireland, getting to these outlets is a very fragmented process; There is no central student buying groups to help the process. And there are more catering contractors per head of population than is necessary for a market this size.
Having helped launch Tipperary as a Fairtrade Town last week, and seen the demand and interest on the ground, we continue to hope that more of the powerful buying people in Musgraves, BWG, Aramark, Compass, Kylemore etc will be encouraged to look again at where their products are coming from, and who is being exploited in the process. In most cases the answer is 'we dont know' ! And I for one wonder if its a case of 'we dont care' ?

London Fairtrade Festival

2010-04-26T22:03:00.003+01:00

Wish4 is participating in the 10th anniversary party of Dubble, right by Tower Bridge in London May 7 - 9th. Great excitement as this is our first outdoor event outside of Ireland where we live !
Good excuse to use the newly re-instated Swansea - Cork Ferry. Not sure if it serves Fairtrade coffee.
Great chance to show the discerning London audience just how tasty Wish4 products are, and why they are now available from SUMA and others, including new outlets around Cambridge from Cambridge Food Company.
Other new outlets selling Wish4 include Salford College in Manchester who are buying Fairtrade products from Main Line Wholesale Ltd in Manchester.

Fairtrade or is it ?

2010-03-31T10:44:00.004+01:00

As predicted Haiti has disappeared out of the headlines, and off the screens. Until today when I heard the irish government is giving about €20m to a fund for long term reconstruction. Thats good, until you compare it with the extra €10,000,000,000 it gave to the dodgiest bank in the land on the same day.

Somewhere buried in the nonsense of what passes as good-sense in the commercial world is Fairtrade. And its still growing despite the cooling down since Fairtrade Fortnight. In my town the Fairtrade bananas have been put away for another 50 weeks, and despsite the good words of the top CEOs, retail buyers continue to ignore the fantastic efforts of grass roots customers to increase the range of Fairtrade products on the shelf.

I met a seriously influential buyer last week at the Food & Drink Expo in UK who really doesn't understand what Fairtrade actually means, has never visited any of the suppliers of his amazingly cheap products, but who makes decisions worth thousands of livelihoods every day !

Luckily young people DO travel more these days, and DO see what is going on, so I think there is hope, and I'll be spending an evening in Liverpool today with an NUS group that is serious about getting its behaviour to line up with its declared values. Something much harder to do than you think !!

New Fairtrade Video

2010-03-17T19:15:00.002Z

Wish4 has created its first 30 second Fairtrade video commercials. Nothing flashy, but its amazing what you can do in 5 minutes these days. We hope it helps to support the Fairtrade growers we work with.

Fairtrade in Dublin

2010-02-24T09:52:00.003Z

All systems go in Dublin now ! Special offers of Fairtrade Coffee and a snack are all over the place, but only the select few, like NUDE in Suffolk St, and Nosh n Coffee down in Cork have Fairtrade Coffee AND Fairtrade snacks from Wish4 ! Wishing4 more !

Wish4 Fairtrade Mints

2010-02-19T15:03:00.000Z

Wish4 Fairtrade Mints

Fairtrade ad

2010-02-17T16:15:00.001Z

Now we're into making Fairtrade commercials. Animoto is the recommended software

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Nice music too !

Starbucks in Stansted

2010-01-27T14:12:00.002Z

Lots has happened recently, like the Kraft takeover of Cadbury, but in our smaller world we have started working with 6 new distributors in UK, and have earned a visit to Kinsale by an overseas Fairtrade producer for Feb 26th. We are also giving away some exellent deals on our unique Fairtrade Confectionery Box of assorted toffees and vanilla fudge, so if you know anyone who likes that kind of thing ? Contact us ! And remember Fairtrade Fortnight starts Feb 22. Get organised....and ask us for help....

New Years Eve Green Quiz

2009-12-31T18:25:00.003Z

Did you try the Green Planet New Years Eve Party Quiz at http://ow.ly/RpG6 ?

Then dream the dream for 2010. We plan to work harder than ever to bring fairtrade food to more and more customers in Ireland and UK, that is the Wish4 wish

Happy New Year.

Fairtrade Xmas confectionery assortment

2009-12-14T19:11:00.002Z

Wish4 Fairtrade is launching its 400g Fairtrade confectionery assortment with SUMA Wholefoods in January, in time for Valentines Day, and Fairtrade Fortnight. RSP €4.99 its less fattening than Quality Street etc, and the small community of sugar cane growers in Kasinthula, Malawi, are better off as a result.

Topaz go Fairtrade on snacks

2009-11-27T20:14:00.005Z

Topaz already offers Bewleys Fairtrade coffee in all its petrol stations in Ireland. And now its introducing the Wish4 range of Fairtrade baked snacks to go alongside. 6 options including Chocolate Brownie and a healthy Fruity Nut Seed Bar. The first 2 outlets to have them are the newly refurbished Newlands X, and Templeogue forecourts.

Munster Fairtrade student treats

2009-11-13T09:11:00.002Z

After months of hard work it is now possible for students at Waterford IT, Cork IT, UCC, and Galway Mayo IT to lay their hands on Fairtrade Millionaire's Shortbread, Fairtrade Chocolate Brownie and even healthier treats like Fairtrade Fruity Nut Seed Bars alongside their Bewleys Fairtrade coffee. Thanks to Aroma Beverage Co in Cork who have taken the first step in bringing these products to their customers. Lots of others are trying them out as you can see from the debris left on this particualr boardroom table last week !

Fairtrade premium is nothing on this

2009-11-07T21:38:00.003Z

People complain about Fairtrade products costing more. But, how do Sainsbury explain the price of own label chocolate eclair sweets at 67p and Cadbury equivalent at £1.28 ?? Paying a little extra for Fairtrade is so much more worthwhile. Like the new Wish4 Chocolate Brownie at €1.99 in Topaz forecourts in Dublin this week. Thats LESS than the non Fairtrade M&S version at €2.20 which actually weighs less !!

Bewleys offer Fairtrade Muffins

2009-10-21T10:23:00.005+01:00

Bewleys in Cork have launched a new range of Fairtrade muffins and bakery snacks. The range includes 4 quality muffins, with real fruit and fruit sauce injections ! As well as Chocolate Brownie, Milllionaire Shortbread and Rich Fruit Cake; All Butter NOT margarine; Real Chocolate NOT 'choc flavoured coating' !!; and all in convenient case sizes of 15 and 12 for freshness and convenience. Checkout www.wish4fairtrade.com for more......

New Fairtrade Muffins in Waterford

2009-10-07T12:27:00.003+01:00

Wish4 Fairtrade is getting together with Waterford IT & Bewleys on Friday Oct 16th to launch the new range of Fairtrade muffins. The day coincides with UN World Food Day, so its very appropriate we should encourage people to think more about where all their food comes from, and make sure those who do the work get paid fairly. Toffee, Chocolate, Lemon & Blueberry varieties all have sauce fillings, and made with sugar from the Kasinthula Cane Growers, near Blantyre in Malawi. These people also contrbute less than .75 tons of carbon a year to global warming while we clock up 17.5 tons. So bring on the muffins, and you can order your own from www.wish4fairtrade.com

Fairtrade price premium can be huge !

2009-09-29T10:15:00.004+01:00

Sometimes the price premium on Fairtrade products seems rather excessive. Take a look at this ! FFI make most of the own brand instant Fairtrade coffee in europe. Their product sells in Tesco for €2.77/100g. The Nestle Nescafe Partners Blend sits next to it at a ridiculous €4.53/100g. Something not fair somewhere wethinks ??

Fairtrade prices

2009-09-15T22:11:00.002+01:00

Some people get worried by the price of Fairtrade products. Well, Cadbury never increased the price of Dairy Milk when they launched it last month. And Starbucks coffee is the same price although ALL their espresso-based drinks (that's most - like Americanos etc) are Fairtrade in UK/Ireland. So it doesn;t necessarily cost more. Just make sure you know you're comparing like with like.

Best Fairtrade Town Awards 2009

2009-06-16T12:04:00.005+01:00

Deadline for entering Best Fairtrade Town Awards - Ireland !! is 5th August, and the annual Fairtrade Towns conference is October 2nd & 3rd in Dublin. These are great events, and having been to Malawi myself as a result, and experienced what it means to buy Fairtrade at the receiving end, I can't encourage you enough to get involved, do the easy but important thing and see the difference it makes. Excellent materials avaialable at www.fairtrade.ie but lots of the companies who make the products also offer top quality materials, and its all FREE !

And then there's Fairtrade on You Tube...like this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIr_9z6qSyw Hard to understand why we wouldn't buy Fairtrade really !

Fairtrade website launched

2009-06-10T14:30:00.003+01:00

Today our sister website went quietly public. www.wish4fairtrade.ie is the main site for the 100% Fairtrade company that is Wish 4 Fairtrade. Customers will be able to buy direct and retailers will be able to deal direct with us, in Ireland and UK, from early August.

An exciting range of natural confectionery will retail for under €2.50/£2.20, and the new bakery range promises some great tasting coffee time snacks.

NOW is the time to sign up and get early warning, preferential offers, and the latest news.

The low price of Fairtrade

2009-05-29T13:18:00.003+01:00

So how is the recession effecting the cost of Fairtrade ?

In 2005 Robert Roberts Fairtrade Roast & Ground DeCaff was €4.20 in Tesco Ireland. Today its €3.52. Great for the growers who still get the 'fair price'.

This week Superquinn have Cafe Direct 100g Fairtrade Instant for €3 instead of €4.

In Tesco Ireland its €3.99, BUT Tesco also have their own Fairtrade Instant at €2.29. That's over 40% less.
And that same Tesco Fairtrade Instant was €3.49 in 2005.

So, more great news for growers, because they are not effected by lower retail prices. So don't worry about them ! Its all good news for them really. And as the empty shelf in Superquinn shows, things are looking good for Fairtrade even in a recession.

Sainsbury Fairtrade Cafe - for Ireland ?

2009-05-22T16:59:00.002+01:00

The Fairtrade thinking in UK is so much more developed than here in Ireland. Sainsbury has a rather tasty Fairtrade brownie, and chocolate cookie just made for its cafe. Nice ! We tasted both, then we went to the CoOp whose Fairtrade chocolate brownies come in neat bite size pieces for sharing. And it was good to see many more small towns committed to Fairtrade. We have a plan to bring a lot more than Fairtrade brownies to Ireland and beyond, but we have to start somewhere !

What's next at Wish4 Fairtrade ?

2009-05-14T16:20:00.002+01:00

Have a look at a brief intro presentation about Wish4 Fairtrade...
http://www.slideshare.net/wish4fairtrade?type=mypage

A Taste of the World to Come !

New Fairtrade Products Approved

2009-05-14T12:52:00.002+01:00

Today Wish4 Fairtrade received approval for its 1st 5 products. As well being Fairtrade licensed, the recipes are 'natural', made with NO artificial colours or flavours. So now we grown ups can enjoy natural Fairtrade toffees, mints and fudge for the first time !!

2009-05-08T10:10:00.003+01:00

While Fairtrade is critical to growers of our basic food needs, here's something that's at least as critical to all of us

http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:HdDrfAxCZOQJ:transitionculture.org/2009/05/04/coming-soon-the-international-premiere-of-in-transition/+transition+culture+premiere&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ie

Its the trailer for a new film 'In Transition' which shows how real communities are finding practical ways to deal with transitioning from fossil fuels to low carbon living. World premiere is May 23rd on-line.....check it out..

Fairtrade drinks take off at airport

2009-05-08T09:46:00.003+01:00

Fairtrade Orange Juice has landed at Cork Airport. That's progress. Sadly you have to be a passenger in the duty free shop, but in time who knows. Yesterday Fairtrade Mark Ireland gave approval to the first product from the new Wish4Fairtrade company, so the launch date of July is looking good for both the confectionery and bakery ranges.

Tomorrow is World Fairtrade Day and Sister Delia has organised a FT breakfast in Bedfor Row, Limerick at 1030-1200. She is amongst the brightest stars in the irish Fairtrade universe.

Fairtrade Day for the World

2009-05-01T17:22:00.002+01:00

Hopefully everyone is considering their plan to celebrate for World Fairtrade Day on May 9th. Bit confusing because this event involves more than just the 'food' (and cotton) part of the global Fairtrade movement, but any excuse to get us all to think about where our food and clothes come from is good by us.

Strange how we get up tight about the irish government printing national exam papers in the UK, but we don't mind that all the frozen food we buy has no country of origin at all on it !! Well, it might say 'EU' but then that includes raw material from asia, india, timbuctoo etc 'processed in the EU', so we don't think that should count.

Have a think....and as they say at google, 'do no evil'...

Fairtrade Instant Rip Off at Tesco

2009-04-29T12:01:00.004+01:00

Yesterday in Tesco Dublin, I realised why consumers sometimes get confused about whether Fairtrade is expensive or not. On the same shelf was Nestle Partners Blend instant coffee 100g at €4.53, and FFI Fair Instant 100g at €2.77 of which 20p goes to Save the Children. These products are as identical as can be; showing that someone is making a profit at the expense of the growers.

UK CoO Fairtrade chocolate etc

2009-04-08T18:02:00.003+01:00

The CoOperative in UK continues to lead in development of a Fairtrade range; yet to be seen in Ireland. If anyone knows a co-operative company in Ireland interested in distriubting their whole range....do let us know. Its a great opportunity. These brownies are also great value at £2 for 2 packs of 170g. The juice is £1.44/litre about €1.69

Tesco NEW Fairtrade Hot Chocolate

2009-04-02T12:02:00.002+01:00

Nice to see Tesco launching an organic Fairtrade Hot Chocolate. At €4.49 for 400g is isn't cheap. Tesco regular Hot Choc is €2.79 for the same weight, and Tesco Valu Hot Choc is €1.39. Makes you wonder what they put in that exactly ?? Not a lot !!

Fairtrade Coffee bargain at Dunnes

2009-03-28T17:34:00.004Z

Price is one of the 2 main reasons why people don't buy more (or any) Fairtrade products. So its interesting to see Dunnes Stores, whose adverts claim 'the difference is we're irish' bringing in a new UK Fairtrade coffee from Union Coffee Roasters. And its just €3.29 per 227g bag.

Compare that with Bewleys admittedly organic Fairtrade at €4.89 in Superquinn, or Cafedirect €4.68 and their Machu Pichu at €5.65 !

Certainly price of Fairtrade is coming down.

Fairtrade - who owns it ?

2009-03-16T12:36:00.002Z

As Fairtrade Fortnight ends with thousands enjoying Fairtrade bananas, there is a debate worth paying attention to at www.tradingvisions.org/content/who-owns-fairtrade . Trading Visions is a charity set up to encouarge young people to get involved in the whole idea of Fairtrade and where it needs to go.

There are several on-line videos of the debate which took place in London School of Economics last month, all of which are worth watching. It made me think about just how much further there is to go, to make the trading world we live in anything like trully fair.

How fair is it when Cadburys say in 2008 that they will NOT be going Fairtrade, and then in 2009 change their minds without explanation ? Fairtrade is about a susatainable future for all, not a knee jerk reaction by a few greedy shareholders eyeing a profitable opportunity.

Well Done Dunnes

2009-03-12T19:14:00.005Z

Well done to Dunnes Stores, who have re-introduced Fairtrade bananas to all their irish stores TODAY ! That also means extra business for Fyffes who supply them. So here's a bunch of their own Fairtrade flowers to celebrate !!

Dublin Fairtrade landmark

2009-03-08T21:15:00.004Z

For Fairtrade Fortnight, the Bewleys coffee shop in Dublin's Grafton Street was suitably dressed for the occasion. Thousands joined in the banana eating record attempt, and it has now been confirmed that Cadbury's Dairy Milk will go Fairtrade this summer. So, as usual, where pioneers like http://www.divinechocolate.com/ have been boldly going for 10 years, those who should be leading the way end up following like sheep. Happily our god is well known for celebrating the return of one lost sheep out of a hundred to his fold. So we do !

Last chance banana

2009-03-05T11:31:00.003Z

As Fairtrade Fortnight reaches its climax, a record breaking attempt takes place across europe tomorrow to see if we can eat more Fairtrade bananas than ever before in 24 hours starting at 12 noon. You can sign up at www.fairtrade.ie/gobananas whether its your school, company, family, rugby team etc. Take a photo and upload for the final count !! Definitely worth doing

Fairtrade Chocolate Fortnight & Easter

2009-02-27T17:05:00.003Z

Fairtrade Fortnight brings out the best in all of us, and as the 3 growers from Africa tour Ireland (see www.fairtrade.ie for details), its left to the rest of us to make sure we buy the stuff. All that talk of knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing comes to the fore, and we face the ultimate test...do we walk the talk ? ....do we really care about anything other than cheap food prices ?

Well, SuperValu have Divine chocolate bars (100g) at 33% OFF at €1.63 now, which is cheaper than their own SuperValu brand regular chocolate and MUCH cheaper than other 'respected' but 'unfairtrade' brands.

No excuse today folks...

Dunnes Stores Fairtrade Chocolate & Banana frenzy

2009-02-27T16:50:00.002Z

Hooray for Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt, Dublin. Yesterday saw the Divine chocolate bandwagon roll into Dunnes busiest store and wow the customers with a dreamy fairtrade chocolate fountain, and Fairtrade bananas to dip into it ! Dunnes haven't had Fairtrade bananas in recent weeks, but this looks like everything is back on track.

So, well done Dunnes; a trully Divine way to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight launch Dublin

2009-02-26T15:55:00.003Z

Tuesday saw the launch of Fairtrade Fortnight by the minister for overseas development, Peter Power (NO, that's not him in the picture, that's the president from last year !!). Attended by Senator Feargal Quinn, and the likes of Tony Barry of the tea family, and 3 visiting growers from Africa, it was a worthwhile event, leading to some good publicity. Greta menu too, with Ben & Gerry's Fairtrade Ice Cream, and lashings of Fairtrade wine (well a glass anyway).

Fairtrade Fortnight starts

2009-02-23T14:51:00.003Z

So here we go on Fairtrade Fortnight 2009. the easiest way to participate is to be part of the Fairtrade banana eating record attempt from noon Friday Mar 6 to noon Saturday 7th. Sign on at www.fairtrade.ie/gobananas and get your school, office, cafe, frisnde coffee morning involved.

Fairtrade shirts for church

2009-02-17T11:25:00.003Z

Fairtrade Vodka has recently come on to the market, but we'd be hoping more people will convert first to Fairtrade communion wine. And while you're at it maybe treat your local priest, vicar, rector, pastor, bishop, preacher, prior, curate etc to a Fairtrade cotton clergy shirt from
www.fairtradeclergyshirts.co.uk .

In Ireland you can get the wine from www.lalor.ie

Fairtrade Bananas in Ireland

2009-02-16T10:48:00.003Z

Fairtrade Bananas are available in Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Superquinn stores in Ireland. Much more difficult to find in SuperValu, although in theory the manager can always order them. Spar stores can also get supplies, but the local managers simply choose not to. It really does mean you have to ASK !! Dunnes Stores do not currently stock Fairtrade bananas either. They used to, but somehting odd happened which we believe is NOT to do with poor sales. BOOOOO !!! If you think they should try sending an email to the buyer Brian Cox at bcox@dunnes-stores.ie

Fairtrade Sail ready for Fairtrade Fortnight

2009-02-13T09:13:00.002Z

Fairtrade Fortnight starts 23rd Feb, and we're getting ready to hoist our FT sail on a hill overlooking Kinsale. We're also going to join the Go Bananas campaign on March 6 & 7. Growers look like they'll be visiting Youghal, Midleton & Cork in this area, so should be fun. Just hoping SuperValu will get plenty of those bananas in stock...

Fairtrade Ryanair, Unfairtrade Aer Lingus

2009-02-03T09:27:00.004Z

While everyone is sitting around freezing in airports this week, remember Ryanair will serve you Fairtrade coffee and tea on board, while Aer Lingus won't ! An honourable reason for flying Ryanair. And although Aer Arann tea and coffee is likewise 'unfair', they do at least offer you a taste of Fairtrade luxury in the form of Divine Fairtrade chocolate bars.

Fair trade trouser deal

2009-01-29T14:32:00.003Z

I was in Debenhams in Cork today. They have Fairtrade denim jeans, 'Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price' and then they give you an extra 30% OFF for opening a store card account which, of course, you never have to use. That less than €40 for 2 pairs of Fairtrade jeans.. Yiii...Haaaa !

2009-01-23T11:58:00.002Z

I just got a phone call from the mayor of Bantry, to discuss how we are going to promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight here in the southern bit of Ireland. We're all keen on the banana eating record attempt scheduled for Mar 6th/7th, so that's a start. We'll talk to all our local schools and encourage the students to get posting mobile phone pics on the special website that will be set up to record events in various countries. Looking forward to it ! Hope you'll do something too; something tasty as well as of value to others.

Fairtrade Fortnight in Kinsale

2009-01-15T16:56:00.003Z

The entire teaching staff of St Multose School were present at the planning meeting for Fairtrade Fortnight this week ! It was agreed that as a town we would 'go for it' with all the other towns in UK, Belgium and further afield to break the world record for banana eating from noon Friday Mar 6th to noon Sat Mar 7th. We hope the Good Food Circle restaurants will cook up some Fairtrade banana recipe to die for, and that the churches will serve up Fairtrade communion wine.

Lots to do, and all help gratefully received.

New Fairtrade brand for Ireland

2009-01-07T12:17:00.002Z

'WISH4 fair trade' is a new venture dedicated to selling Fairtrade certified products, based in Ireland. The creators are keen to encourage irish suppliers to get involved in developing Fairtrade sales. Customers are looking for Fairtrade but it is often not available. The new venture will launch its first products in Spring this year.

Kinsale Fairtrade Fortnight activity ?

2008-12-27T22:26:00.003Z

A day after Xmas, and this week is the best time to start planning Fairtrade Fortnight 09. Meantime there are plans for launching next Christmas's best new Fairtrade product...?? If you could suggest a great new Fairtrade product what would it be ?

Cork Fairtrade Towns join forces

2008-12-17T17:40:00.003Z

Co. Cork Fairtrade Towns meet at 10am this Friday (19th) at the Bodega, Cornmarket St, Cork to consider ideas for Fairtrade Fortnight 2009. Come see the Fairtrade clothing from Belle Etik while your there !

Fairtrade Fortnight in Cork ??

2008-12-04T14:41:00.004Z

So, its only just time to open the 4th window on your Divine Chocolate advent calendar, and we're already having to think about Fairtrade Fortnight next Feb. In Cork we now have Bantry, Bandon, Skibereen, Kinsale, Midleton, Youghal, Cork City all as Fairtrade Towns/Cities, so we should be able to come up with a joint plan to host a visiting grower in a very special way..so if you have any suggestions, now is the time to tell us. Last year we hosted KoJo and Paul from Ghana who changed the lives of many in this area. Next year we'd like to do more !!

Store staff most influential force in Fairtrade

2008-11-28T10:38:00.002Z

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

2008-11-28T10:22:00.003Z

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 !

2008-11-17T18:23:00.004Z

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

2008-11-07T18:59:00.005Z

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.

Superquinn good SuperValu bad

2008-10-24T12:13:00.003+01:00

You'd imagine the world's first Fairtrade Cola, tasting as good as the real thing, would be cause for celebration ? And at Superquinn it is ! UBUNTU is available in some of their stores already.

But although some SuperValus are brave enough to try it themselves, because the local owner has decided to buy it direct for him/herself, the head office has decided 'a definite NO'. Sad, but true...no reason given. Sometimes it makes you think that profit does really have priority over ethics.

Dunnes Stores NEW Fairtrade range

2008-10-24T11:59:00.002+01:00

Dunnes Stores in Dublin - Blanchardstown, Cornelscourt, Leopardstown, Sandyford Beacon Court & Swords; Portmarnock; Newbridge; Dundalk; Tralee; Galway - Knocknacarra, Westside, Briarhill; Limerick - Jetland have launched a special new range of over 25 NEW Fairtrade drinks including teas, coffees, juices and the world's first Fairtrade Cola.

Recession is a time for making tough choices. So remember that as food prices go up, Fairtrade growers find it more difficult to buy food themselves. We only spend <20%>

Dunnes Stores earn a lot from Fairtrade

2008-10-24T11:50:00.003+01:00

Want to know who gets most of the money from a Fairtrade product ? Try the Dunnes Stores coffee shop. These Fairtrade flapjacks cost €1.09 in the local SuperValu and Londis, but in the Dunnes Cafe they cost €2.15. The producer gets the same amount. Should this put you off Fairtrade. Absolutely NOT. But if you bought 2 flapjacks from SuperValu, went home and made your own cup of Clipper Fairtrade Tea, then MUCH more of your money would go to the growers in Malawi. Fairtrade is their only option. You and I have choices !

One Water available in Ireland

2008-10-15T12:57:00.003+01:00

Since its success in Canada, Australia and UK, One Water has finally arrived in Ireland. The water is irish spring water so no massive carbon footprint. And its cheaper than heavily advertised brands.

Although there is no such thing as Fairtrade water, this is as good, and transparent as it gets.

100% of profits go to constructing 'play-wells' for towns and villages all over Africa. The wells are visible on google Earth. A company can have its own name on a specific well, and nothing beats the feeling you really did make a difference.

I am working to promote this rather than Bling fancy water in Superquinn for over €40 a bottle !! So if you can't afford Bling, join me. Check out One Water at http://www.onewater.org.uk/

What are SuperValu, Dunnes & Superquinn doing about this ? Meanwhile Tesco have it on sale already.

UK Fairtrade Commercial Conference

2008-10-02T12:20:00.005+01:00

Well, Its been another excellent year for Fairtrade in the UK, with one major supermarket proving that going 100% bananas makes commercial sense ! Checkout the details, or get in touch to find out more. What else can you and your store do to take advantage of this ?

DOWNLOAD the presentations
Other keynote speakers included: Fairtrade FoundationBarbara Crowther: Communications Strategy 2008-2012David Lowbridge: Improving our OperationsMichael Nkonu: Producer support systems within FairtradeFLO CertTrevor Wood - Gearing up the global systemNatural Resources InstituteBarry Pound & Valerie Nelson: Fairtrade Impact AssessmentPricewaterhouseCoopersTeresa Fabian: Sustainability: Are consumers buying it?Henley Centre HeadlightVisionSian Davis: Sustainability, Fairtrade and the consumerA number of presentations from the day are available to download (see details below). In addition, there will be video footage of the Conference will be available on our website shortly:http://store.itsyourftp.com/~fairtrade/Commercial_Conference

Fairtrade sandwiches ?

2008-09-19T10:57:00.002+01:00

SuperValu store owners are well into Fairtrade and the new UBUNTU Fairtrade Cola is in their store in Bandon. All credit to the store manager, because at head office they probably don't know about this yet !! We also noticed their 'buy local' sandwiches are still made 100 miles away in Waterford !! One step at a time I guess...

Fairtrade retail price discrimination

2008-09-08T15:21:00.005+01:00

We all know that Marmite costs £2 in Northern Ireland and €3.99 in SuperValu in Dublin, but what's worse is the increase in prices of Fairtrade products like tea. Why is it that in Tesco, Lyons Gold 80 regular Tbags are only up 30c a pkt since October 2004, while Robert Roberts 80 Fairtrade Tbags are up 48c a pkt ? We suggest that's not fair.

Fairtrade New Juice

2008-09-08T15:11:00.003+01:00

Natural Beverage company is making its range available in Ireland through Kinsale Distribution Co. Best known for its excellent Fairtrade smoothies, NatBev has a 1 ltr Orange, 50oml Orange, 500ml Apple & Mango, & 500ml Tropical. This will bring competition for Fruit Passion who's Fairtrade 1 ltr Orange juice sells in Superquinn for €2.39 v Tesco own label for €1.69. SuperValu does not yet list a Fairtrade juice.

Fairtrade for supermarket buyers and clergy alike

2008-08-28T14:17:00.005+01:00

Supermarket buyers are less well known for keeping their word than priests & bishops, but Fairtrade caters for both more and more.

For the church there are now stylish Fairtrade clergy shirts from http://www.fairtradeclergyshirts.co.uk/

And for the supermarket there is the brilliant new range from Equal Exchange http://www.equalexchange.co.uk/ including their Organic Fairtrade Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. Made famous in the movie Black Gold, its available in Ireland now through Kinsale Distribution Company. http://www.kdc.ie/

Great stuff, and Fairtrade Advent Calendars arriving soon too !

Why Divine chocolate is divine

2008-08-14T21:09:00.003+01:00

For those at the far end of the chocolate value chain, there is less earned in a week than you'll earn during the time it takes to watch this video clip ! Enjoy anyway, it might make a difference.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Mij795KuU

Green Tea is a favourite Fairtrade purchase

2008-08-11T16:23:00.005+01:00

Without minimum fuss, sales of Clipper Fairtrade Green Tea have risen 50% in Ireland in the last year. In part because of the quality, but also because of the wide range, and continuing hunger (or should that be thirst !) for healthy tea.

Green tea contains wacking great doses of useful antioxidants, and combined with echinacea, ginseng, lemon, or just in its pure organic, bagged or loose form, Clipper provides, and Kinsale Distribution delivers.

If you would like to try it, just ask.

Fair trade sugar grower talking direct to you

2008-07-31T14:45:00.004+01:00

UBUNTU Fairtrade Cola is made here in Ireland. And if you have any question about the direct benefits this brings to the sugar growers in Malawi, why not check out the personal blog of Elod, one of the co-operative members, who spends every day producing the basic ingredient just for us in rich-mans-land ? Ask him how he's doing. See what he did today. Tell him what you did to help.

Go on.....be brave !!

http://www.ubuntu-trading.com/blog/

Fairtrade for the birds

2008-07-22T16:07:00.003+01:00

And now Fairtrade for the birds !!

Gardman have just launched the first Fairtrade peanuts for wild birds. Packed in 1.5kg and 3kg bags, the nuts are sourced by Liberation Foods who are also responsible for the first Fairtrade salted nuts. launched earlier this year for humans !

The new Gardman products are available in Ireland from Groundforce who can be contacted through this blog.

Liberation's own human nuts are available in 4 varieties, including a great Lemon Chilli flavour. They too can be bought from us in Ireland.

Back from Africa

2008-07-08T15:01:00.003+01:00

If you ever wondered what it means to work for the benefit of Fairtrade communities, see this ! This is a Fairtrade sugar producing village in Malawi 2 weeks ago when we visited ! As you can see they were keen to have us participate in their daily routines.

New Fairtrade Cola in PET bottles

2008-05-29T11:21:00.003+01:00

UBUNTU Fairtrade cola, is now available in 500ml PET bottles, which is great for convenience stores etc. The 330ml cans are also available, and this cola is certainly the equal of the alleged real thing according to tastings we have carried out. Coca Cola are the biggest users of sugar on the planet for their drink, but it takes the likes of UBUNTU to take an ethical stance ! You can buy it here...

World Fairtrade Day ?

2008-05-11T22:04:00.002+01:00

Most of us in Ireland would never have known 10th May was World Fairtrade Day. But then most of us don't know Fairtrade Communion Wine is now available, or that its on trial in Cork on June 7th. Fancy a taste ? Get in touch now...and why not provide your local school with Fairtrade sports balls ?

Xmas Advent Calendars already

2008-05-02T14:44:00.003+01:00

Time moves on and shops are already thinking about Xmas. And for 2008 Divine are launching an adult only advent calendar !! Adult only because each of the 24 pieces of chocolate are 70% Dark Chocolate. These are real advent calendars with a line of the real xmas story behind each window. Stylish indeed. And there's a Milk Chocolate version too.

Fairtrade Chocolate Cake

2008-04-15T17:13:00.002+01:00

Taoday I saw the world's first Fairtrade Organic Chocolate Cake. All ready to bake in its box after you add egg and water. Could be in trouble now...everyone will want one of these !! Doves Farm have surpassed themselves, and we are ready to distribute them all over Ireland. Sales number is 021 477 3273. Buy buy buy....

Fairtrade demand increases in Cork

2008-04-10T17:02:00.002+01:00

The hard work of Fairtrade Town volunteers really does make a difference. Cafes, pubs, and shops are now regularly taking the initiative to switch to Fairtrade. In the last 48 hours, 5 Cork businesses have contacted Kinsale Distribution Co asking to open accounts. Sarah Fleming at Colaiste Raithin in Bray Co. Wicklow is a great example also of teams of students working in schools. They are holding a Fairtrade awareness day on April 18th. We wish them the best !

Midleton & Youghal Fairtrade Town visits

2008-03-20T16:06:00.003Z

Youghal & Midleton are well on the road to Fairtrade Town status and businesses in the towns are stocking more fairtrade products, such as the Rendezvous Cafe.

Superquinn lists Fairtrade chocolate

2008-03-14T21:01:00.005Z

After promising to stock Fairtrade options where they are available, Superquinn have placed their 1st order for Divine chocolate. 4 lines including the new Dark Choc with Fruit n Nuts. And to celebrate Suzanne McHugh was in store at Lucan with Kojo Aduhene & Paul Ayepah from Ghana, who grow the very cocoa that goes into Divine during Fairtrade Fortnight. They are very happy !!

Divine cocoa growers unload in Kinsale

2008-03-11T17:51:00.003Z

Sometimes you can't make it on your own they say, so Kojo Aduhene & Paul Ayepah from Ghana came to help MD Ger Barry unload another delivery of their own Fairtrade cocoa, in the form of Divine chocolate, in the Kinsale Distribution warehouse. Including fresh Easter Egg supplies and samples of next Christmas seasonal products.

On average a cocoa grower in Ghana earns the same in a year as an average irish consumer spends on chocolate in the same year. €300 ! Fairtrade does make a difference.

Fairtrade meets the president

2008-03-10T13:27:00.004Z

A group representing 30 Fairtrade Towns around Ireland met the president to mark Fairtrade Fortnight for the first time. A step in the right direction. Only spoiled by a puncture at the gate to Aras an Uachtarain suffered by visting growers Kojo Aduhene and Paul Ayepah from Divine chocolate in Ghana, seen here shaking slightly grubby hands !!