Renfrewshire’s Fairtrade campaign tastes sweet success

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Gillian Richardson, owner of Chocolatz, at 69 High Street, Paisley, heard of the campaign and enquired about how to get become a Fairtrade stockist. Her speciality shop now stocks 10 different kinds of Fairtrade chocolate and will be the venue for a Fairtrade evening on Thursday 8 May.

Gillian said: "Paisley having Fairtrade town status and Renfrewshire's campaign to become a Fairtrade zone has raised public awareness about international trade conditions in poorer countries."

"It is very important that local businesses support Fairtrade and stock some products which enable the producers to benefit. Many Chocolatz customers have enquired about Fairtrade chocolate and we are delighted to be able to offer a diverse range of Fairtrade products to meet the market demand."

"We hope to expand this range over the coming months and are also looking at offering Fairtrade coffee and tea in our coffee bar."

Gillian was presented with a certificate recognising her as a Fairtrade stockist by Maureen Brough of Paisley Fairtrade Partnership.

Maureen said: "It is really encouraging to see top quality businesses in Paisley – particularly independent businesses - not just taking on the Fairtrade message themselves but also actively and publicly promoting it."

"I am particularly pleased that a dedicated chocolate shop has come on board because chocolate is such a huge market worldwide and most people who are part of the growing and producing process in developing countries cannot afford to buy the delicious chocolate they make."

Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group was established in November 2007 with the aim of achieving Fairtrade status for the whole of Renfrewshire.

The group includes members from Renfrewshire Council, Reid Kerr College, Paisley, Bishopton and Lochwinnoch's Fairtrade groups, Rainbow Turtle, MEPC Hillington Park, University of the West of Scotland.

Councillor Derek Mackay, chair of the steering group, said: "One of the criteria for achieving Fairtrade county status is that local businesses are encouraged to support third world producers by using and selling products bearing the Fairtrade logo."

"Having shops like Chocolatz get on board is a great sign that this campaign is succeeding. It is also an excellent example of a Paisley business diversifying their products to meet market demand and sustain their future in the town centre."

"There are lots of events on this week as part of World Fairtrade Day and I hope even more people will be inspired to get involved in the supporting this campaign."

Press release: Thursday 8 May 2008