2014 will see bananas, once again, be one of the major areas of interest in Fairtrade Fortnight. The big selling fruit will take centre stage at Scotmid during Fairtrade Fortnight.
The independent co-operative is also planning a number of community events around Scotland to raise awareness of Fairtrade.
Patricia Edington, the Edinburgh-based mutual company’s membership and community manager, said:
“Bananas are the most popular and most traded fruit in the world, but still only one in three of all bananas sold in the UK each year are certified Fairtrade.
“Scotmid only sells Fairtrade bananas in our stores and this Fairtrade Fortnight we’ll be showing our customers that the bananas they buy from us are helping millions of banana farmers and workers get a fair deal.
“Scotmid will be running discounts on Fairtrade products throughout Fairtrade Fortnight to encourage customers to switch to Fairtrade versions.”
If other retailers want to join in it’s not difficult, she said.
“Scotland is now a fair trade nation so there’s never been a better time for Scottish retailers to get involved in Fairtrade Fortnight! The best place to start is by visiting the Fairtrade Foundation website for resources and information to get you started.
“There’s a huge range of Fairtrade products now available, from basics like tea and coffee, to roses, beer and wine. Having a Fairtrade option available for your customers on some of your products and highlighting the importance of supporting Fairtrade in-store are simple ways for you to help make a difference.
“We are very proud to have been the first Scottish retailer to stock Fairtrade products in our stores, and we continue to champion the Fairtrade movement today.
“Our staff will be encouraging customers to switch to a Fairtrade version of food cupboard essentials like tea, coffee and fruit. We will be running a special promotion with discounts on Fairtrade products, and all Scotmid stores will be bringing the campaign to life with point of sale and posters throughout Fairtrade Fortnight.”
