Why Greggs are continuing to grow their Fairtrade range despite today’s tough climate. Despite the challenges faced by the out-of-home sector as a result of the pandemic, Greggs announced in 2021 that they would be using Fairtrade cocoa across their supply chain. Fairtrade cocoa will be in all chocolate products sold through their shops by the end of 2023. We caught up with them to find out more about why they’re continuing to grow their Fairtrade range despite today’s tough climate.

Cafédirect was set up as a mission-led business to deliver impact for smallholder farmers worldwide, and working alongside Fairtrade they have created a brilliant model incorporating both direct trade, and Fairtrade. Cafédirect has a holistic, grower led approach, that is facilitated through direct relationships with growers, and the framework of Standards and pricing that Fairtrade provides.

Empowering communities is the best reason Fyffes can think of to explain why they are proud to work with Fairtrade. The combination of the Fairtrade Minimum Price, a safety net that farmers receive when the market price drops, and the Fairtrade Premium, a fund that the community can choose to spend wherever it needs, is unbeatable for farmers to take control of their lives. ‘We work in some of the poorest communities in the world and are proud to see the changes this creates.’ John Hopkins, Procurement Director, Fyffes Group Limited.

LEON buys their 100% Arabica beans from Puro, who are trailblazers in sustainable coffee production. For years, Puro has helped LEON source the best beans from Peru and Honduras, picked at high altitude to give them natural sweetness, then roast them to bring out their full flavours. The beans are organic, Fairtrade certified, and support the World Land Trust. Puro’s efforts to protect biodiversity have earned them the honour of having not one, but three new rainforest species named after them. 

Tate & Lyle know any labour issues in their supply chain can be tackled in a timely, responsible and ethical way. Tate & Lyle Sugars buys raw sugar from Belize, where sugar supports the livelihoods of more than 40,000 people, and their communities. Farmers in Belize are dealing with the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and since 2015 they have been addressing the social, cultural and economic factors that drive child labour. And Tate & Lyle Sugars have been by their side.

Divine is driven by its social mission to empower farmers and consumers through creating a supply chain that shares value more equitably; a mission aligned closely to Fairtrade. Sophi Tranchell, CEO of Divine Chocolate ‘I hope that we have demonstrated that there really is a different way of doing business, putting the cocoa farmer at the heart of it.’