Get your messages from one of these Scottish ethical independent shops this Fairtrade Fortnight

Support workers in developing countries by scoffing chocolate and quaffing coffee

Gavin's Mill, Milngavie

If you want to buy organic, seasonal and sustainable food, while also dodging plastic packaging, it can be easy to forget the people behind the produce.

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from February 22 until March 7. This event helps to promote Fairtrade products, which are produced by workers and farmers in developing countries who are paid properly, so they don’t have to deal with exploitation alongside a climate emergency, not to mention the pandemic.

“Farmers in a rice cooperative in Malawi told us that they too are dealing with restrictions, slowed business activity and uncertainty,” says Colleen Tait, engagement and communications officer at the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. “In a country such as Malawi, where farming communities already struggle to make ends meet, the consequences of this can be much more severe”.

To support these workers, look out for the blue and green Fairtrade mark or the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) logo.

You’ll see these on the products in some Scottish supermarkets, like Scotmid and the Co-operative Food, who both have a decent selection of Fairtrade products.

Alternatively, try the Scottish Fair Trade Forum’s online suppliers map, or try a few of our recommended Scottish independents, below.

www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk

Hadeel, Edinburgh

Gavin’s Mill, Gavin’s Mill Road, Milngavie, Glasgow (0141 955 0437, www.gavinsmill.org)

This shop and cafe is currency offering a click and collect or delivery service for the surrounding areas. Alongside zero waste refill stations, they stock Traidcraft Dark Chocolate Ginger, coffee, tea, as well as store cupboard essentials including coconut milk and couscous.

Hadeel, 123 George Street, Edinburgh (0131 225 1922, www.hadeel.org)

Buy Palestinian Fairtrade handcrafts from this central shop, which sells clothes and interiors pieces as well as a range of products from Zaytoun – a beautifully packaged brand that offers unfiltered extra virgin olive oil, medjoul dates, za’atar and other goodies.

One World Shop, Edinburgh

JTS, Unit 3/4, Wallneuk Road, Paisley (0141 225 0901, www.jts.co.uk)

If you’re fond of lime pickle or mango chutney, you’ll find it at this not-for-profit business’s online shop, as well as bags of the Great Taste Award winning Kilombero Brown Rice and spices including Victoria Falls Rainbow Pepper.

One World Shop, St John’s Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh (0131 229 4541, www.oneworldshop.co.uk)

As it’s been around since 1983, we sometimes forget this little shop exists. Alongside the well curated selection of gifts, jewellery and toys, its also sells Fairtrade Easter eggs from Divine, Pacari Chocolate, who were voted Most Ethical Chocolate in the UK by Ethical Consumer Magazine, organic pasta and Equal Exchange “Women Grew This” Ground Coffee, among many other edible products. You can also shop online.

Rainbow Turtle, Paisley

Rainbow Turtle, 7 Gauze Street, Paisley ( 0141 887 1881, www.rainbowturtle.co.uk)

Their colourful shop, which opened in 2002, may be temporarily closed, but if you live in Renfrewshire, they’ll deliver to you. The stock list is available online, and includes Traidcraft dried fruit and muesli, Eswatini Sauce, Cafedirect coffee, and lots more.

To join Scotland’s Big Climate Justice Coffee Morning on the 27 February, see https://www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk/events/wake-up-and-taste-the-coffee/

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