Fairtrade Fortnight launches Best Fairtrade Supermarket Award

Consumers put supermarkets to the test

Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 (3rd – 18th May) is a two-week celebration highlighting to consumers and businesses how their everyday buying decisions can help to make a world of difference. This annual promotion kicks off with an opportunity for New Zealand consumers to rate their local supermarket on their supply of Fairtrade products.

The Fairtrade Association along with Oxfam and World Vision are teaming up to find out which single supermarket in New Zealand deserves to be recognised for its support of Fairtrade and be awarded the 'Best Fairtrade Supermarket in New Zealand' title. Consumer NZ (an independent, non-profit organisation with the sole aim of getting New Zealand consumers a fairer deal) will be a special guest judge.

Whilst Fairtrade products are increasingly more available to consumers who are prepared to put their money where their mouth is, there sadly remains a lack of action in the FMCG industry to adjust their marketing and distribution of such products. However, with the rise of Corporate Social Responsibility programmes coupled with increased consumer pressure, some supermarket chains are going the extra mile to support Fairtrade. This support comes in all sorts of different forms—from the number of Fairtrade-labelled products it stocks on its shelves to actively supporting Fairtrade as a direct response to customer requests.

We want to find out which supermarket, big or small, North or South should be applauded for its commitment to the ever-growing group of consumers who care about what they're putting into their shopping baskets every week

Consumers are asked:

1. How many Fairtrade products does your local supermarket stock?
2. How easy was it to find Fairtrade products in your supermarket?
3. Is your supermarket worthy of Best Fairtrade Supermarket Award? Why?

Consumers can go to the following website to register their vote:
www.checkoutfairtrade.org.nz (click on 'Supermarket Award')

The competition runs May 3 – 14 (entries close at 4pm) with the winner announced on May 16.

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So what is fair trade anyway? Why is it important?
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers—especially in the South. Fairtrade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, raising awareness and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.

The Fairtrade Certification Label is an independent consumer certification label, which appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal. As a result of Fairtrade, these producers receive a Fairtrade Minimum Price that covers the cost of sustainable production as well as an extra Fairtrade Premium that is invested in social or economic development projects.

What does the Fairtrade label and system guarantee?
A better deal for producers in developing countries and also a guarantee to consumers that producers are receiving the full benefits of Fairtrade, i.e.,

- A fair and stable price for their produce
- Security of long term contracts
- Investment in local community development
- Improved working conditions
- Environmentally sustainable farming methods
- Support in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to operate successfully in the global economy

ENDS

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