Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from 27 February to 12 March and Aldi is encouraging shoppers to support farmers and growers across the world by buying Fairtrade.
Irish shoppers are increasingly looking to shop more ethically and sustainably.
A recent Bord Bia Global Insights survey found that 71% of Irish consumers say buying more sustainably-produced products will become more important in the next three years.
An easy way to make sustainable choices is to seek out products carrying the Fairtrade mark.
By choosing Fairtrade, shoppers can help support fairer working conditions for growers and farmers across the developing world.
They can also help ensure the survival of their favourite foods, many of which are under threat from climate change, rising temperatures and deforestation.
Flower Power
With its range of Fairtrade Rose Bouquets (€5.99), Aldi is helping to support and empower female flower growers in Ethiopia.
Every bouquet bought supports over 2,500 flower workers at Aldi's dedicated Ethiopian farm, Herburg Roses.
It also helps support vital projects on the ground.
These include a subsidised food commodities project that ensures employees and their families have access to staple food ingredients at an affordable price.
A medical scheme programme supports workers suffering from non-work-related sickness.
Enjoy A Cuppa
Aldi is urging shoppers to 'make a difference' with McGrath’s Fairtrade Reserve 80s Tea Bags (€1.39), which is grown and harvested in Kenya for Aldi/Hofer.
Shoppers can also indulge their sweets tooth with a square of Fairtrade-certified Moser Roth Mint, Orange & Almond or White chocolate bars (25g individually wrapped) for €1.49.
This will help support the cocoa farmers that are part of the Fairtrade programme.
With lots to choose from in the Moser Roth collection, consumers can also try the Moser Roth Smooth Chocolate, Salted Caramel or Dark Hazelnut Chocolate 125g bars (€1.69), or taste the Moser Roth Sea Salt, 85% Dark or 90% Dark Chocolate 125g bars (€1.79).
Have A Banana
Finally, shoppers can stock up on a six pack of nutritious Organic Fairtrade Bananas (€2.15).
Aldi is striving to source ethically and sustainably-produced bananas.
This helps ensure workers get a fair and decent price for their labour.
At present, 16% of Aldi bananas are Organic Fairtrade, while 85% are Rainforest Alliance Certified.
McGrath's Fairtrade Reserve
“We are delighted to be hosting tea producer Innocent Owomuhangi from Uganda this Fairtrade Fortnight," said Peter Gaynor, executive director, Fairtrade Ireland, who was speaking about Aldi's ongoing commitment to supporting Fairtrade Fortnight.
"Aldi Ireland’s example of producing a commercially available Fairtrade tea – McGrath’s Fairtrade Reserve – which accounts for a large percentage of total Fairtrade tea sales in Ireland, is the kind of thing Innocent and other producers want to see more of.
"Aldi Ireland are also the only retailer who have been consistently selling Fairtrade flowers in Ireland.
"We’d love to see the other retailers match these commitments.”
John Curtin, group buying director at Aldi Ireland added: “As a retailer, Aldi is committed to working alongside partners in developing countries to foster improved working conditions for growers, nurture sustainable farming practices and create a fairer, more equal world.
"That’s why you will find a fantastic range of everyday products carrying the Fairtrade mark in Aldi, including flowers, bananas, tea, and chocolate - all at amazing value prices."
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Maev Martin. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
