The Co-operative is celebrating the introduction of its Fairtrade range to Somerfield stores, following the acquisition of the supermarket chain last year, and reckons Fairtrade sales could be boosted by some £40m per year.
In 2008, as part of its Food Ethical Policy, The Co-op became the first retailer to convert its entire own-brand hot drinks category of tea, coffee and hot chocolate to Fairtrade.
The Co-op, now the fifth biggest food retailer, has taken this commitment further by introducing its Fairtrade hot drinks range into Somerfield stores, along with many other Fairtrade lines as part of the integration process.
The Co-operative Group chief executive, Peter Marks, said: “The Co-operative has led the way on Fairtrade, having championed the Fairtrade mark since its inception, and our pioneering development work has helped the UK become one of the largest Fairtrade markets in the world.
“We are continuing this commitment by extending our extensive Fairtrade range to the Somerfield estate, and we will continue to add more Fairtrade lines to our entire 3,000 store network, as well as helping to develop more Fairtrade products and market opportunities for growers in developing countries.”
