CITY OF LONDON SUCCESFULLY RENEWS ITS FAIRTRADE STATUS

June 2015 - PRESS RELEASE

The City of London has been successfully in its bid to retain its status as a Fairtrade Zone.

The re-accreditation which takes place every two years under the watchful eye of the Fairtrade Foundation, is the fourth time the City has successfully demonstrated its commitment to Fairtrade since its first sought recognition in 2007.

Winning this accolade has only been possible due to the wide availability of Fairtrade products in local shops and high levels of support from local people, businesses, faith groups and schools.

The City of London’s Fairtrade Steering Group which is composed of residents, businesses, faith groups, liverymen, common councillors and even high court judges, has promoted Fairtrade through events, debates, tasting evenings and markets across the Square Mile.

Group Chairman, The Revd George R. Bush, Rector of St Mary-le-Bow Church on Cheapside said: "We’re really delighted that the City has been recognised for its efforts. City businesses, communities and institutions have taken this issue to heart and Fairtrade procurement is very much the norm for responsible businesses.”

Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re so pleased that the City of London has renewed their Fairtrade status and laid out clear exciting goals to take Fairtrade further.”

“Thanks to the ongoing support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”

Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.

To get involved in the Fairtrade campaign in the City of London email fairtrade@cityoflondon.gov.uk

NOT GUILTY!

On Tuesday 21st April, we hosted a special evening raised awareness about the best in ethically and fairly sourced/produced wine and chocolate on the market. This unique and exclusive tasting is guided by Sarah Jane Evans, Master of Wine, and Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine, was held in the Judges’ Dining Room at the Old Bailey with kind permission of our host, Alderman and Sheriff Dr Andrew Parmley.

Over £600 in proceeds were raised from this event and donated to the Bow Food Bank. 

We look forward to holding this event again in 2016 - be sure to check back here so you can book your tickets - places are quite limited. It's a great night out!

Thanks to all of the producers for letting us feature your excellent ethically certified products:

WINES
Torres Santa Digna Estelado Sparkling Rosé, Chile
Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc 2014, Coastal, South Africa
De Bos Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014, South Africa
Journey’s End Shiraz 2009, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Finca Monteflores Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina

CHOCOLATES
Amedei
Chocolate Madagascar
Damson Craft Chocolate
ICAM SpA, Vanini range chocolates
Marc Demarquette
Original Beans
Pacari
Paul A. Young
Pretat
William Curley

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2015

We were delighted to host and participate in several events during the Fairtrade Fortnight this year, highlighting the importance of ethically source and sustainably made products. Thanks to generous funding from the Community Service Volunteers in the City of London, we were able to host a Fairtrade Market at One New Change Shopping Centre, a special photography exhibition of Fairtrade gold and silver mining in Peru, a lecture on agribusiness, and a fashion event at the City Business Library.

Vendors from Zaytoun, Divine Chocolate and Liberation Nuts at One New Change


City Fairtrade Group chair the Revd George Bush shopping at our Fairtrade Market.

Claire Lissaman of the Ethical Fashion Forum speaking at the City Business Library.

Silver mine photo exhibition in vestibule of St Mary-le-Bow Church.

I DO!

The City of London Fairtrade Steering Group were proud to assist the Fairtrade Foundation in the coordination of their Fairtrade Gold campaign launch, "I Do" on the 14th January 2015 in the City to encourage brides and grooms to buy Fairtrade gold rings ahead of Valentine's Day. Campaigners formed a 'human ring of gold' on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral to highlight the plight of gold miners living in poverty across the globe.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2014

"Naughty but Nice - an ethical wine and chocolate tasting evening"

Tuesday 4th March 2014

Alderman's Dining Room, West Wing, Guildhall

 

In celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight, Alderman Alison Gowman and the Reverend George R. Bush, Chairman of the City of London Fairtrade Group, were delighted to welcome the award-winning wine and food writer Sarah Jane Evans, Master of Wine, for an evening dedicated to educating and expanding understandings of ethical wine and chocolate programmes from international producers.

 

Supported by the Corporation of London and JustShare, the event was held in the Alderman’s Dining Room at the Guildhall for a small group of guests representing the catering, hospitality and food services industry in the City of London. Guests were encouraged to rethink their business approach to purchasing by sampling some of very best and latest in Fairtrade, co-operative, and sustainable wines and chocolates from around the world. From Chile to Argentina to South Africa, from St Lucia to Vietnam, products were sourced from local distributors representing a truly global market.

 

This free event raised funds for Pebbles Project, which helps to educate children

with special needs, especially those whose lives are affected by alcohol, from

disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

FAIRTRADE TALK

Watch the JustShare Lecture: "Fairtrade or Flawed Research: do we know who benefits? " by Professor Chris Cramer, SOAS
Recorded on Wednesday 27th February 2013 at St Mary-le-Bow Church

Hosted by JustShare for Fairtrade Fortnight 2013

FAIRTRADE FAIR 2012

Fairtrade Trade Fair at the Guildhall, with the City of London Corporation Fairtrade Group

 

This event aimed to showcase the range of Fairtrade wholesale and retail products now on the market and to encourage more City firms to serve Fairtrade products at their events.

 

With over 150 people from City firms (catering contract managers, procurement managers, CSR managers and those interested in sustainability), Livery companies and the Court of Common Council signed up to attend, there was a fantastic atmosphere in the Guildhall's stunning Basinghall Suite. Suppliers from Peros, Premcrest, La Riojana, Liberation!, Ubuntu chocolate, Geobar, Divine, Qi, Sustain and CyT UK offered samples of tea, chocolate, nuts and wine whilst also explaining more about the origin of their products and how the products could be purchased, wholesale, retail or via catering companies. We were delighted to welcome the Lady Mayoress who enjoyed a tour of the room, sampling and learning more about the products available.