Fairtrade Guernsey encourages Islanders to ‘Brew It Fair’ this Fairtrade Fortnight
- Fairtrade Fortnight will run to 5th October.
- The campaign aims to promote Fairtrade tea and its benefits.
- Fairtrade Guernsey has organised events to raise awareness, including tea tastings.
- Taste your tea knowledge by taking the quiz
- Recent institutional switches to Fairtrade products include Princess Elizabeth Hospital and Guernsey Prison.
Fairtrade Guernsey is urging residents of the island to participate in the ‘Brew It Fair’ campaign during Fairtrade Fortnight, which will take place through to 5th October.
This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the importance of choosing Fairtrade tea, particularly given that tea is the world's second most consumed beverage after water.
The tea industry faces significant challenges, with only one in five tea farmers and workers earning a living wage to support their families.
By opting for Fairtrade certified tea, consumers can help ensure that tea growers and pickers receive fair compensation for their labour.
Fairtrade Guernsey encourages individuals, businesses, and organisations to join the movement by showcasing Fairtrade tea during this period.
Local residents can engage in various activities, such as hosting tea parties, serving Fairtrade tea in their workplaces, or creating tea-infused cocktails.
To generate interest in the campaign, Fairtrade Guernsey were in Market Square on Saturday where they provided free tea tastings and an opportunity to win a year’s supply of Fairtrade tea.
Hannah Davis, Secretary of the Fairtrade Guernsey Steering Group, noted, “When most of us think of a cup of tea, we think of comfort, refreshment, taking a break or catching up with loved ones. What we are less likely to think about is the journey the tea we drink has been on, the people who have carefully picked the tea leaves.”
Davis emphasised that these growers deserve fair wages and good working conditions, stating, “Our actions can have a positive impact on real people’s lives. Fairer pay. Fairer treatment. Fairer futures. That’s Fairtrade.”
Supporting the campaign is The Old Government House Hotel, which has been utilising Fairtrade products for over 15 years.
Andrew Chantrell, General Manager of the hotel, expressed pride in participating in the ‘Brew It Fair’ initiative. “By choosing Fairtrade tea, we’re helping ensure that the farmers and workers behind every cup are treated fairly and paid sustainably.”
2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of Guernsey’s commitment to Fairtrade as it became a Fairtrade Island in 2006.
This commitment continues with the recent switch to Fairtrade products at both the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and the Guernsey Prison.
Together, these institutions are responsible for over 680,000 new servings of Fairtrade items annually, which they estimate accounts for 95% of all refreshments provided across the States.
Deputy Jennifer Strachan, President of the Overseas Aid & Development Commission, reiterated the States’ dedication to Fairtrade, stating, “We are showing how easy it is to switch products to those that make a real positive impact on the communities growing our food and drink.”
Local events for Fairtrade Fortnight also include a schools competition to design a poster promoting Fairtrade tea that will be used next year, and a tea break for States Members on 25th September to mark the anniversary of the Fairtrade initiative.
For more information about the Fairtrade Fortnight campaign, visit www.fairtradeguernsey.com/fairtrade-fortnight or follow the organisation on Facebook @FairtradeGuernsey.
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