UK retailer switches own brand hot drinks to Fairtrade

A UK retailer is switching its entire range of own-brand hot drinks to Fairtrade, it announced today.

All Co-op tea, coffee and hot chocolate will carry the Fairtrade label.

The retailer had earlier converted its coffee to Fairtrade and has spent around two years working to switch its own-brand tea.

It is part of a raft of measures unveiled by the Co-op today following a six month consultation with more than 100,000 customers.

The retailer will stop selling eggs from caged hens in its 3,200 stores in favour of free range.

In addition, it has increased the range of pesticides which are banned from use in the production of its food from 32 to 98.

Switching Co-op own-brand tea to Fairtrade will help producers in East Africa and India, the retailer said.

The producers get a guaranteed price for their crops plus a Fairtrade premium to invest in community projects such as water supplies, educational equipment and medical facilities.

Peter Marks, chief executive of The Co-operative Group, said: “By the middle of this month all tea produced under The Co-operative label will be Fairtrade.”

When asked to name their number one ethical issue, 27% of people polled by the Co-op said ethical trading. Animal welfare came second at 25%.

Fairtrade Foundation executive director Harriet Lamb welcomed the Co-op’s switch to 100% Fairtrade hot drinks, saying: “This latest move to switch all their own brand tea to Fairtrade hits the spot – meeting their customers’ demand both for a great cup of tea and one that supports producers in developing countries who wish to build a better life.”