Fairtrade aims to help farmers and workers in developing countries receive a fair price for the products they produce. Fairtrade ensures better working conditions and job security for producers.
More than 4,500 products carry the Fairtrade mark from coffee and tea, to flowers and juices. Search for where to buy your Fairtrade Mark products.
Achieving Fairtrade status
Fairtrade community groups are made up of local people who are passionate about supporting Fairtrade farmers and workers.
Campaigners organise themselves locally into Fairtrade towns, cities, boroughs, zones and even Fairtrade islands to work across the five campaign action areas:
- Action area 1: Boosting fairtrade.
- Action area 2: Connecting Fairtrade. Aberdeen Fair and Sustainable Trade Group achieved this badge in 2023 for partnership working with fairtrade groups at the Mela festival.
- Action area 3: Fair trade changemakers.
- Action area 4: Fairtrade ambassadors.
- Action area 5: Fairtrade influencers.
More information can be found on the Fairtrade Foundation website.
Aberdeen and Dundee were the first cities in Scotland to achieve Fairtrade status in 2004. In 2024 Aberdeen City celebrates twenty years of retaining its Fairtrade status.
Examples of Fairtrade actions in the city by the Fair and Sustainable Trade Group:
- The Council passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade.
- Engagement with local businesses and organisations to stock a range of Fairtrade products (shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs).
- Promotion of Fairtrade on social media.
Quarterly meetings are held by the Aberdeen Fair and Sustainable Trade Group (local Fairtrade steering group) to plan and organise local Fairtrade initiatives and to support Aberdeen remaining as a Fairtrade Community.
Fairtrade schools
The Fairtrade Schools Award gives primary and secondary school students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of global issues. Studying Fairtrade links in well with the Curriculum for Excellence in themes such as enterprise, citizenship, sustainable development and international education.
Resources to help support schools develop Fairtrade into their curriculum can be found on the Fairtrade Foundation website and at Aberdeen for a Fairer World.
Support Fairtrade
Here are some suggestions for steps you can take to support Fairtrade:
Individuals
- Buy Fairtrade products when you are shopping. Try switching to Fairtrade bananas, tea, coffee, sugar or chocolate.
- Ask your local shop to consider stocking more Fairtrade products.
- Tell your friends about your favourite Fairtrade product.
- Teach your children about Fairtrade and why it is so important.
- Invite your friends out for a cup of Fairtrade tea, coffee and cake.
- Visit the Aberdeen Fair and Sustainable Group Fairtrade Facebook page and follow us to find the latest information.
Businesses and organisations
- Stock a range of Fairtrade products in your shop, café or restaurant.
- Display Fairtrade promotional material.
- If you run a café or restaurant, list Fairtrade items on menus.
- Celebrate Fairtrade fortnight which is held in February and March each year.
- Use Fairtrade teas and coffees in meetings or kitchens.
- Stock Fairtrade drinks or snacks in vending machines.
- Raise awareness of Fairtrade among staff using newsletters, the intranet, events or displays.
Scottish Fair Trade
Aberdeen City Council is a member of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum, if you are a business or organisation that sells Fairtrade products in the city, add your business details to the Scottish Fairtrade Finders map.
Pledge your support for Fairtrade in Aberdeen
If you are interested in being part of the Fairtrade movement in the City, and would like to show your support and get involved as an individual, business or organisation. Please fill in the Pledge Form.
Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual campaign organised by Fairtrade Foundation that runs between February-March, every year. It brings together thousands of individuals, groups, campaigners, and organisations interested in fighting for justice for the people and our planet; and to celebrate the people who grow our food and goods and are often exploited.
Aberdeen Fair and Sustainable Trade Group
This is a partnership group of volunteers of individuals and representatives from organisations across the city who promote and raise awareness of Fairtrade. Organisations involved in the group include: Co-op, Aberdeen for a Fairer World, North Link Ferries, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen University Student Union, Granite City Good Food, Soroptimist’s International Aberdeen, Cults Kirk Centre. If you are an individual or organisation that would like to get involved please message the Fairtrade Facebook Page.