Co-op scheme connects shoppers with Fairtrade communities around the world
Co-operative Food has launched a new online platform that enables shoppers to interact directly with Fairtrade producers across the world.
Growingstories.coop will bring UK consumers in contact with Fairtrade farmers and workers to hear first-hand of Fairtrade’s impact on them and their communities.
Seventeen producer organisations from nine different countries will be taking part in the online conversation.
Coffee producer BasilioChales, from Todosanterita coffee co-operative in Guatemala said: “We are delighted to be part of this new Fairtrade community project. This is a great opportunity to talk to the people who enjoy and appreciate our product, and to tell Co-op customers about the impact Fairtrade has had on our community.”
Co-operative Food is encouraging social media users to share messages and photos through their Facebook and Twitter networks and to help build the online community with their friends and families. Visitors to the website can create their own messages from product fonts to share with friends and post to the Co-op sharewall with photos. For every “share” posted to the website, Co-operative Food will add £1 to a fund to invest in future community projects with producers.
“This new community campaign is the latest innovation in our on-going support for Fairtrade. Having got to know so many producers over our 20 year partnership with Fairtrade, and as a business firmly rooted in communities across the UK, we are bringing the two together,” said Brad Hill, the Co-op’s Fairtrade strategic development manager.
“Our members and customers have returned over £30 million in Fairtrade premiums and now they can hear directly just what that means at an individual and community level.”
