Link with Fairtrade benefits local producers in Brazil.
Wed 25th Feb 2009. Topaz – the country’s biggest fuels and convenience retailer – estimates it has sold up to two million cups of Fairtrade coffee since it signed a deal with Fairtrade Ireland just six months ago.
At that time Topaz placed an order with Fairtrade Ireland for 30 tonnes of coffee beans – one of the largest orders ever secured through Fairtrade.
Frank Gleeson, Head of Retail at Topaz said he was delighted with the way the agreement was working. “Fairtrade coffee wins out on taste which is the key factor for our customers. But we know from very positive customer feedback that our customers are very happy we are serving Fairtrade coffee which will directly benefit local producers in Brazil. Obviously awareness of our Fairtrade coffee is heightened during Fairtrade Fortnight (Feb 23rd – 8th March) but this coffee is on sale in our company owned sites 365 days a year”.
Gleeson said that “as one of the largest coffee retailers in the country, we saw this as an opportunity to use our buying power for the benefit of Fairtrade certified producers using sustainable production processes in developing countries.’
“This is a mutually beneficial deal. It ensures quality coffee supplies for our sites and it gives the farmers financial stability to further invest in equipment and farm resources. It is this form of direct trading practice which is of most benefit to coffee producers in developing countries, and we are very pleased to be able to support this initiative in such a substantial manner,” said Gleeson.
Peter Gaynor, Executive Director of Fairtrade Mark Ireland commented: “We’re delighted an Irish brand leader such as Topaz has thrown its weight behind Fairtrade in such an enthusiastic way. The deal helps to raise awareness among consumers on a day to day basis of the necessity to pay producers a fair price for their produce, and is an excellent example of how Irish businesses can better support producers in developing countries.”
Further Information:
Contact Kieran Garry
MKC Communications
Ph: 01 7038600 Ph: 087 2368366