Local market supports Fairtrade Fortnight

St. George’s City Food and Garden Market, which is owned and managed by Belfast City Council, will lend its support to Fairtrade Fortnight this Saturday 10 March in a joint celebration with Northern Ireland Co-op.

The Co-op is Northern Ireland’s leading supermarket supporter of Fairtrade Fortnight and will unite with market traders to encourage shoppers to make a difference and taste the difference with Fairtrade Mark produce.

St. George’s City Food and Garden Market has long been a supporter of Fairtrade products and already has a variety of stall-holders offering a quality range of Fairtrade coffee, tea, cocoa, cosmetics, silk weaves, jewellery and even musical instruments – it has never been easier for people in Northern Ireland to support Fairtrade.

Andrew Irvine, Belfast City Council’s Markets Development Officer, said: “St George’s Food and Garden Market is proud to have led the way with retailers like Northern Ireland Co-op in advocating Fairtrade to customers.

“And we are delighted to welcome the Co-op this Saturday to the Market to help us create awareness of Fairtrade issues and to encourage shoppers to try the fabulous tastes and delights of these products for themselves.”

In addition, local Co-op staff will bring their own special Fairtrade stall to Northern Ireland’s largest indoor market this Saturday, where visitors can sample an extensive range of Fairtrade products including fruit, cakes, chocolate and juice.

Anna McAleavy, Northern Ireland Co-op secretary said: “Belfast City received Fairtrade status in 2005 and it’s important that we continue to promote Fairtrade.

“We want even more people to realise that Fairtrade products taste great and that buying them really helps workers in developing countries. We look forward to welcoming shoppers to our stall to try Fairtrade for themselves.”

Fairtrade Fortnight (26 February to 11 March) is an annual national campaign to raise the profile of Fairtrade Mark products, which ensure a better deal for growers in developing countries by guaranteeing fair prices and an additional social premium to help fund vital community projects.

(JM/SP)