Fairtrade Fortnight

Monday 9th September to Sunday 22nd September 2024.

What is Fairtrade Fortnight? Fairtrade Fortnight is a global celebration of Fairtrade's power to create a more just and equitable world. This year, join us to Be the Change, by picking up Fairtrade products and speaking up for fairer trade with your newly elected MPs.

Find out how to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2024.

A Brief History of Fairtrade

Fairtrade emerged in the early 20th century to empower producers in developing countries. By the 1980s, initiatives like paying coffee farmers a fair price for their beans became more widespread following the price collapse. In the following decades, fair trade expanded to include other products such as chocolate, bananas, and cotton.

In 1992, Fairtrade labelling became a global standard with trade certification. This meant a fairer supply chain and farmers' pay for their produce was protected. Fairtrade has grown significantly in popularity, with millions of consumers now choosing Fairtrade products, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global trade system.

fairtrade worker collecting coffee beans

How are Co-operatives and Fairtrade so closely linked?

Fairtrade and Co-operatives have enjoyed a close historical relationship. Cooperatives are democratic organisations owned and controlled by their members. They are naturally aligned with the fair-trade principles of empowering producers and promoting equitable trade practices.

Many fair-trade organisations are co-operatively structured, allowing farmers and workers to have a direct say in how their businesses are run and to share in the benefits of fair trade. This co-operative model can provide a more secure and sustainable livelihood for producers, as well as foster community development and economic empowerment.

What is Fairtrade Fortnight and why is it Important?

Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity to raise awareness about the positive impact of fair trade on the lives of farmers, workers, and communities around the world. It's a time to celebrate the achievements of fair-trade organisations and to encourage consumers to make ethical choices.

How Your Co-op Are Making a Difference

Here at Your Co-op, we are committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, so we provide Fairtrade products in all of our food stores and partner with Fairphone and Ecologi to ensure we're doing all we can for the planet and people.

Fairphone is a pioneering company that produces ethically made smartphones. Fairphone's commitment to fair labour practices, modular design, and leading warranty sets it apart in the tech industry.

However, what makes Fairphone even more special is what's inside as they're the first to use Fairtrade gold in their devices. Gold is common in all modern smartphones but usually involves exploitative and even dangerous mining practices to source. Since the Fairphone 4's inclusion of gold, it's shown that fairer mining is possible in the tech industry.

Choose Fair, Choose Fairphone

By choosing Fairtrade, you're not just buying a product, you're supporting a more just and sustainable world. Let's celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight together and make a difference.

Explore the only Fairtrade smartphone and earphones on the market with Fairphone.