We are the Dundee Fair Trade Forum, the steering group which oversees Fairtrade community status for the city. In March last year, Dundee celebrated 20 years as a Fairtrade City, and Scotland has just renewed its status as a Fair Trade nation! Next summer, we will be required to renew Dundee’s Fairtrade status, and as part of our action plan towards that, we are keen to engage with local businesses.
What ever business you are in you have the opportunity to support Fair trade. Whether you are a café or hospitality business which can offer Fair Trade Options to your customers, a retail business which can stock Fair trade options or a non-hospitality business buying goods such as tea and coffee for your meetings you have the opportunity to support this approach.
As you will be aware, consumers are increasingly discerning about the products they buy, wishing their purchases to make a positive difference in the world, and do no harm. A recent report by Scottish Fair Trade* found that 97% of people in Scotland had heard of Fair Trade, and 83% of people in the UK trust the FAIRTRADE Mark. Sales of Fair Trade products have remained steady despite the cost of living crisis, showing that consumers recognise the value of Fair Trade. For businesses, supporting Fair Trade is also a great way of demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice, therefore contributing to ESG requirements.
Below is a link to a short survey which will help us monitor the availability of products which adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade. The Forum is happy to support local businesses in their desire to work towards adopting these principles.
