Be the Change this Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight is back, running from Monday the 9^th of September to Sunday the 22^nd of September 2024, and we at Central Co-op have so many exciting things to share this year! We’re proud to be a long-standing supporter of Fairtrade, and this year, we’re celebrating a major milestone – 30 years of co-ops supporting Fairtrade! We proudly stand alongside the Fairtrade Foundation in urging everyone to "Be the Change" by choosing Fairtrade products and advocating for fairer trade.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting initiatives we’re launching and how you can get involved in creating a more sustainable and ethical future.

Go nuts for Fairtrade!
We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of the UK’s first 100% Fairtrade-certified macadamia nut products! For Fairtrade Fortnight, our shelves are stocked with delicious salt-roasted and cinnamon caramelised Fairtrade macadamia nuts in 100g shareboxes. Co-ops have been championing Fairtrade for 30 years, and there’s never been a better time to "Be the Change" by picking up a treat that supports farmers and makes a real difference to communities across the world.

Our Malawi Partnership – extending the planting promise
This year, our funeral business is extending its commitment to sustainability through Our Malawi Partnership. For every funeral we conduct, we pledge to plant a tree in Malawi – that’s approximately 20,000 trees every year! Over their lifetime, these trees will remove around 6,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere. Not only does tree planting help combat climate change, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of severe flooding, which has become a frequent and devastating issue for smallholder farmers and communities. The project also supports sustainable harvesting through a co-operative model, helping to boost local economies.

Special visit from Howard Msukwa
Ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight, we had the honour of welcoming Howard Msukwa, a rice farmer from Northern Malawi who works with True Origin. True Origin partners with smallholder farmers to source ethical food, and Howard spoke to our Chief Executive, Debbie Robinson and teams in Lichfield about the challenges farmers face due to climate change and how fair trade practices can make a difference.

Virtual Fairtrade wine tasting event
Calling all wine lovers! As part of our Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations, Co-op Group is hosting a virtual wine tasting event and is inviting Central Co-op Members to join Fairtrade wine expert, Ed Robinson and Walter Carol from La Riojana, Argentina's largest wine co-operative. Make the most of our 15% off 4 Fairtrade wines offer and join the virtual journey through some of our favourites:

• Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Tilimuqui Sparkling (available in The Co-op Group stores only)
• Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Malbec
• Co-op Fairtrade Pinot Grigio

You’ll learn all about the winemaking process, get pairing tips, and hear directly from Walter about the difference Fairtrade makes to farming communities in Argentina. Plus, there’s a chance to win a bottle of each of these fantastic wines!

What’s happening in your local store?
We’ve got plenty of exciting in-store events planned across Central Co-op locations, from food tasting sessions to workshops and markets. Here are some highlights:

• Food tasting sessions in Burton, Lichfield, Birmingham, Preston, Wirral, Stafford, and Tamworth (9^th – 14^th September)
• Fairtrade Workshops at various locations, including St Thomas More Church (10^th September), Hermitage House and Sawbridgeworth (11^th September)
• Fairtrade Markets and Tea Events in Oundle and Melton Mowbray (14^th September)
• Fairtrade Wine & Quiz Night at Insomnia Café in Halesworth (19^th September)

Our amazing local Member and Community Councils have also organised eco-events and activities like bird box making, school workshops, and assemblies to educate young people about the importance of Fairtrade.

Money off Fairtrade faves
During Fairtrade Fortnight 2024, Members can enjoy 15% off when you buy 4 Fairtrade wines in-store. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on delicious, ethically sourced wines like:

• Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Chardonnay
• Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Malbec
• Co-op Fairtrade Pinot Grigio
• Co-op Fairtrade Shiraz

But that’s not all! We’ve also got money off many of your Fairtrade favourites, including tea, coffee, chocolate, cotton pads, and to top it all off, we’re excited to introduce our brand-new Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Caribbean Golden Rum, now available in-store and part of the Fairtrade offers. This smooth and ethically sourced rum adds a perfect touch of indulgence to your Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations at just £20 for Central Co-op Members.

By taking advantage of these offers, not only can you save, but you’ll also be making a tangible difference to the lives of Fairtrade farmers and their communities.

Join us and ‘Be the Change’
Fairtrade Fortnight is your chance to make a positive impact on communities across the world by choosing Fairtrade products and getting involved in the movement for fairer trade. Whether you’re attending one of our events, buying Fairtrade macadamia nuts, or joining us for a virtual wine tasting, every action counts.

Let’s celebrate the power of fair trade, support farmers and be the change this Fairtrade Fortnight!