Mace has teamed up with Bewley’s for the announcement that all of its branded fresh coffee will become 100% Fairtrade in 2017.
Mace has 230 stores nationwide and Bewley’s is one of their official coffee partners. To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight Bewley’s welcomed two coffee farmers from Soppexcca in South America to Dublin to meet staff and suppliers and explain first-hand the impact of Bewley’s direct links with their coffee co-op.
One of the farmers, Haris Ulises Lopez Picado visited Mace head office in Dublin to meet with the team.
Haris was born in the village of El Salto in Jinotega, Nicaragua in 1989 to two coffee farmers. Haris was given the opportunity to take part in a pilot rural development project, financed by Soppexcca and the Nicaraguan government. He believes that Fairtrade has had numerous benefits to him, his family and the community.
“Thanks to Fairtrade Soppexcca can pay higher prices for the coffee and offer special programmes for young people, training them in the cultivation of coffee. The co-operative has set up various social projects, including the construction of a school. The co-operative is also running various environmental activities,” said Haris.
Mark Saunders, Brand Director of Bewley’s said they wanted to bring the farmers out to meet directly with their customers who are buying their Fairtrade coffee beans to show the important impact Fairtrade has on these communities.
“The farmers, including Haris, are working in the Soppexcca Co-Op which is one of the largest Fairtrade Co-Operatives that Bewley’s currently work with. With Fairtrade you have the power in your pocket to change the world every day. Fairtrade is the only certification that guarantees a minimum price to farmers and an additional premium for social development projects in coffee producing communities,” explained Mark.
According to Alex Banahan, Mace Sales Director: “We were delighted to meet Haris. Bewley’s is one of MACE’s preferred coffee suppliers due in part to its commitment to direct trade with Fairtrade coffee co-operatives such as Soppexcca. The move to 100% Fairtrade shows the company’s commitment to high quality for the consumer and a fair deal for the producer.”
Fairtrade Fortnight runs until 12 March.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donncha Mac Cóil
