20 Years of Fairtrade

Over 1,700 members of the public voted for their favourite Fairtrade item, and ethical organisations were most supported.

The title of UK’s Favourite Fairtrade Product was awarded to Divine, the only Fairtrade-certified chocolate producer in the world to be 45 per cent owned by its farmer suppliers, with one fan quoted saying that its winning Milk Chocolate with Toffee & Sea Salt bar “tastes good, feels good, does good.”

Zaytoun was named the runner up for its Palestinian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The business is a community interest company, which works to create and develop a market for artisan Palestinian produce.

Michael Gidney, chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation said, “As we celebrate 20 years of the Fairtrade Mark in the UK, we’re proud to acknowledge the commitments that brands, both large and small, have made to ensure producers get a fairer deal and can work towards a more sustainable future.

“Over the years, some of the world’s biggest global brands have switched to Fairtrade, and they have played an important role in raising awareness of Fairtrade with more consumers and increasing the volume of Fairtrade sales. But Fairtrade wouldn’t be where it is today without the pioneering work of brands such as Divine, who paved the way for many of the big switches.

“Divine not only produces delicious chocolate, it is also a great example of what can be achieved for smallholder farmers when you put producers at the heart of your business model, and we’re delighted that the public have recognised that with this award.”

Image courtesy of Fairtrade Certified.