Members get behind Fairtrade

Together with our members, we’ve been championing Fairtrade and the difference it makes to producers and communities across the world for more than 26 years. What you put in your shopping basket can make positive changes to lives around the globe.

So, during this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight – which ran from 21 February-6 March – we asked members to swap out their regular chocolate, coffee, tea, or wine for a Fairtrade alternative to help communities and support climate justice for the producers who produce our food.

Thousands of members took up our challenge and many shared product reviews with us too, rating the Fairtrade alternatives they tried an average score of 4.7 out of 5.

Here’s just a taste of what our members told us:

Chocolate

Almost 30% of members swapped their regular chocolate for a Co-op own brand Fairtrade alternative.

Janice Whiting, from St Albans, chose the member-inspired Co-op Irresistible Single Origin Millionaire’s Bar.

“The chocolate was just a smooth as Lindt but melted on the tongue better. It had just the right amount of salt to taste and I loved the packaging too. I love chocolate and have tried all the big brands over my 67 years, but this stood out as something a bit special!”

While Laura Hughes-Dowdle, from Reading, opted for the Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Single Origin 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate.

“My new staple chocolate! It only contains single origin Peruvian cocoa (a top-quality bean) which is important to me as a dark chocolate fan. You can really taste the authenticity of the smooth rich notes and enjoy it knowing the farmers are paid fairly. Definitely worth switching for the taste, quality, health benefits, and positive impact to Peruvian communities.”

Wine

Around 29% of members chose to switch to a Fairtrade wine.

Rachel McCormick, from Gosport, tried the Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Organic Malbec.

“The wine was superb – a really rich, smooth flavour with hints of blackberry and vanilla. It was wonderful to read the information on the label with details about the valley it came from and how purchasing Co-op Fairtrade meant a water facility and secondary school could be provided for that community. In making the Co-op Fairtrade purchase, I had a sense of partnership; that I was enjoying their produce and making a real difference to the community that produced it.”

And Catherine McCartney, from Pitlochry, loved the Kumala Fairtrade Pinotage Shiraz.

“Lovely wine, good taste, definitely a favourite of mine.”

Coffee

More than 21% of members opted for our Fairtrade coffee.

Our Co-op Fairtrade Decaffeinated Gold Roast Instant Coffee is now top of Linda and Gilbert Bloomfield’s shopping list in Devon.

“The Co-op Fairtrade coffee was milder and smoother without any loss of flavour which I preferred, and it was cheaper than our usual choice so an all-round winner!”

Tea

And almost 17% decided to try Co-op Fairtrade tea.

Sonja Foreman, from Barton-upon-Humber, swapped her usual brand of tea bags to try Co-op Honest Value Fairtrade tea bags.

“They are good value for money and give an enjoyable cup of tea. I will buy these in the future.”

While Thomas Anderson, from Maidenhead, opted for Co-op Fairtrade Tea 99 Gold Blend.

“The 99 Gold is smoother than the normal 99 Tea but still strong and brews well. It is now vying with Co-op Irresistible Indian Prince Fairtrade Loose Leaf Tea as our morning tea of choice!”

Members also swapped out bananas, grapes, and flowers for Fairtrade alternatives.

The overwhelming majority of members who got involved in our Choose Fairtrade challenge said they would consider making the switch to Fairtrade and would encourage others to try Fairtrade too.

Learning the Fairtrade difference

More than 5,000 members took part in our Fairtrade and climate justice video quiz to discover how Fairtrade is doing the right thing for people and the planet.

The video highlighted the growing challenges that climate change brings to smallholder farmers and workers – who are on the frontline of the crisis and are most affected by climate change, despite contributing the least to it.

Members watched the short film featuring our coffee growers in Kenya to find out the difference Fairtrade makes to farmers and workers tackling climate change before answering a few quiz questions based on what they had heard.

When asked how much they knew about Fairtrade and climate justice before taking part in the video quiz, members averaged a score of 2.16 out of 5. This increased to 3.83 out of 5 after hearing from our producers.

“The video was very informative and helped me to understand the obstacles faced by coffee farmers and the support provided by Fairtrade to help make the future better for the planet and its inhabitants. The quiz made it more interactive – well done Co-op.”

Siobhan Martin, Bristol

Fairtrade treats

Two lucky members won a case of Fairtrade wine and a box of Fairtrade goodies for joining in with our challenges. To reinforce our values message, say thank you and encourage them to support Fairtrade, all members received 25% off a Co-op Fairtrade product during Fairtrade Fortnight.

Our Co-op Member Pioneers also held Fairtrade live events across the country to celebrate Fairtrade in their local communities.

There are always ways for you to get involved with your Co-op. Head to your member account to see what opportunities are currently available.