Your Fairtrade Stories

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We've had lots of kind words sent in celebrating our work throughout the past 15 years. Here's a collection of some of the messages. Why not use the form at the bottom of the page to send in your own story?

"Congratulations to the Fairtrade Foundation! It has worked tirelessly to establish Fairtrade as a system which uniquely works with smallholder farmers, directly addressing the terms of trade, meaning that producers in developing countries are guaranteed a better deal.

For 15 years the Foundation has been the rallying force galvanising a growing number of people all over the UK to support a different way of doing business every time they go shopping.. Now there are more than 400 Fairtrade Towns and Cities all over the UK - a powerful social movement which is spreading across the world, and creating a new kind of market to be reckoned with." - Sophi Tranchell, Divine Chocolate

"We at CAFOD offer our heartfelt congratulations to the Fairtrade Foundation as the FAIRTRADE Mark celebrates its 15th year on the shelves of shops and businesses up and down the UK. That we now celebrate its 15th birthday is testament to the pioneering spirit, unwavering dedication and sheer passion of thousands of Fairtrade supporters. As a direct result of their commitment to Fairtrade, the UK is now one of the global leaders in revolutionising the way people consume - placing values such as equity and sustainability at the heart of the choices we make - and more and more producers can trade their way out of poverty.

There is not a city, town or village in the UK untouched by a Fairtrade product, making a difference to the lives of millions of farmers, families and communitues in some of the poorest regions of the world. Just imagine what can be achieved in the next 15 years! We look forward to finding out." - CAFOD

“At Green & Black’s we have always shared the same passion as the Fairtrade Foundation for improving living standards of farmers in the developing world. We are very proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of our Maya Gold chocolate bar, the first product to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark which represents a very special relationship with the Toledo Cacao Growers Association in Belize.” - Green & Blacks

Have your say!

As a Volunteer for Oxfam. I always treat myself to a Fairtrade Geobar or a Fairtrade Chocolate Bar. sInce I have volunteered for Oxfam, I have always purchased Fairtrade Products as gifts or as a treat. Many Shops and Newsagents sell products that carry the Fairtrade Mark which I always look out for. 15 years of Fairtrade has helped Millions of People around the World, long may it continue
- Robert Simons, Bristol

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We cannot believe that the Fairtrade mark is only 15 years old. It is now such a well-established idea that it is hard to imagine the world without it. This can only be a good thing, as Fairtrade and those that work for and believe in the concept have helped give a livelihood and hope to hundreds of thousands of producers previously exploited or simply ignored. With the recent launch of By Hand, we are proud to now be a part of this movement and to be making a positive contribution to society. Well done to those who started the ball rolling. It is a fantastic achievement and one that has and will continue to make the world a better place.
- Lucy Robinson, By Hand, Leeds

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Oxfam couldn't be happier to help celebrate 15 years of the FAIRTRADE Mark. We are very proud to have been a founding member. The improvements it has made to the lives of small farmers and producers around the world is remarkable; a landmark initiative for justice. This has been matched in the UK by its seminal role at the sharp of end of a revolution in attitudes and practices. In it's fifteen year life, we have seen ethical consumerism transform from a niche effort of a dedicated few to a mainstream consumer practice. It's difficult to find a supermarket, coffee shop, newsagents or school canteen that does not display the mark on at least some of its products. Congratulations to all who have helped in its success, and here's to the next 15 years.
- Founding member, Oxfam

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We are delighted to be part of the Fairtrade Foundations’ 15th Birthday celebrations. Fairtrade addresses one of the most significant issues that we all face, sustainable and decent livelihoods for workers. These ethics are also at the heart of Clipper’s trading principals and we were the First Fairtrade tea brand in the UK. In our own 25th anniversary year we look forward to continuing to play a leading role in the growth of Fairtrade. A very happy Birthday to you all.
- Tony Revill-Johnson, Clipper Teas

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I vividly remember the excitement when Maya chocolcate bars first appeared in the shops - it was a great excuse to eat chocolate! I bought the bars as presents for family and friends and we had a real celebration. Progress over the past 15 years has been fantastic. I think one of the best things about Fairtrade has been the way it has been instrumental in changing the way we shop and encouraged people to consider ethical values.
- Tammy Stewart-Jones, Kent

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