28 February 2010

The Big Swap - Fairtrade Fortnight 2010:

Fairtrade Fortnight - February 22nd - March 7th This year Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 22nd February to 7th March. Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual event held not only in Ireland but in other countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The aim of the fortnight is to raise awareness and promote Fairtrade to the public. The theme for this year’s fortnight is the Big Swap. “The Big Swap is all about encouraging people to swap some of their usual purchases – tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas for example – for a Fairtrade Certified product,” says Peter Gaynor, Executive Director, Fairtrade Mark Ireland. “Thousands of Irish consumers have already made the big swap; regularly switching some of their spending to Fairtrade products and in doing so making a real difference to the lives of producers in developing countries.”

The proof of this is in retail sales of FAIRTRADE Mark products in Ireland which increased by estimated 27% in 2009 to €118million – and expected to grow further in 2010. Big manufacturers are now realising that Fairtrade is also good for business. In the last few months, and again this week, some of the best known brands in Ireland have announced they are switching over to Fairtrade. In recent months, significant conversions to Fairtrade have been announced by Cadbury Ireland and Nestlé. And this week, Ben & Jerry Ice Cream announced that it will complete the global

conversion of its entire product range to Fairtrade ingredients by 2013.

Fairtrade Products in Nenagh
Supermarkets, shops and health shops in Nenagh are stocking a wide range of Fairtrade products and shoppers have a wide choice of products. The product range includes a range of different teas and coffees, drinking chocolate, cocoa, fruit juices, sugar, rice cakes, wines, ice cream, honey, chocolates, jams, rice, spices, dried fruits and clothing. Catering size tea and coffee is also available. Fairtrade products can be clearly identified by the distinctive Fairtrade logo. Many restaurants and cafes in Nenagh are also selling Fairtrade products. Fairtrade coffee which is one of the key Fairtrade products is sold in the Peppermill restaurant, Pepe’s, Hibernian Bar and restaurant, Quigley’s, Simply Food, Gaffney’s and Centra -‘coffee to go’. Full details of where Fairtrade products can be purchased in Nenagh and further information about Fairtrade can be viewed on www.nenaghfairtrade.com. With the range of Fairtrade products now available in the shops and supermarkets in Nenagh everybody has the opportunity to make the Big Swap!