Following our review of Fairtrade Fortnight at our recent Holme Valley Fairtrade meeting it was very apparent that several members were surprised and very disappointed regarding the promotion of Fairtrade and Fairtrade Fortnight in our local Co-operative stores.
The only promotions were on wines and they were the only Fairtrade items on prominent display.
In previous years
- Fairtrade Fortnight has been clearly advertised
- Fairtrade products have collectively and prominently displayed
- There has been a bigger range of Fairtrade products, eg fruit, Easter Eggs
- There were offers on a range of Fairtrade Products
- Fairtrade samples were made available
Recently the local Fairtrade Support Group has been re-launched as Holme Valley Fairtrade and during Fairtrade Fortnight their new website, www.holmevalleyfairtrade.com went live at a celebration lunch attended by local supporters and our MP. There is a link to your website so during Fairtrade Fortnight followers were able to access your front page promoting Fairtrade directly from our website. But then were disappointed when visiting stores in Honley and Holmfirth.
Since the experiences were in two stores we wondered whether there has been a policy change that has resulted in a different approach this year.
It was also reported at our meeting that a local Morrison’s store had a range of promotions during Fairtrade fortnight.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Holme Valley Fairtrade