Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual campaign that advocates for fair wages, ethical sourcing, and better conditions for farmers and workers in developing countries.

Now held in mid-September, it serves as a crucial reminder of the power consumers have to promote change through their everyday purchases.

By choosing Fairtrade-certified products, people can support sustainable farming communities and empower workers across the globe.

For more than ten years, I was deeply involved in this mission while working with Divine Chocolate, a pioneering Fairtrade chocolate company.

 

During my time there, I had the privilege of travelling to Ghana to meet the cocoa farmers and share their stories with UK audiences.

Though I now run my own chocolate consultancy, my commitment to Fairtrade practices remains as strong as ever.

I continue to advocate for sustainable trade across the Leeds Diocese, helping to raise awareness about the importance of supporting ethical chocolate.

In addition to my work in the UK, I collaborate with Fairtrade Mark Ireland a couple of times a year, supporting their efforts to promote Fairtrade cocoa across Ireland.

Whether in chocolate workshops or public events, I ensure that Fairtrade principles are at the heart of everything I do, including sourcing the majority of the chocolate used in my public workshops from Fairtrade-certified suppliers.

My Experience with Divine Chocolate: Connecting Farmers and Consumers

Working with Divine Chocolate for over a decade was an unforgettable and enriching experience. As a Fairtrade company that prides itself on its farmer-owned business model, Divine ensured that cocoa farmers in Ghana received a significant share of the profits. It was during my visits to Ghana that I truly came to understand the positive impact Fairtrade standards can have on the lives of farmers and their families.

In Ghana, I met cocoa farmers who were members of Kuapa Kokoo, the cooperative that co-owns Divine Chocolate. These farmers, who were actively involved in the decision-making process of the business, shared how Fairtrade certification had improved their income, giving them access to better education and healthcare.

One memorable conversation was with Ama, a widow who managed a small cocoa farm. Thanks to Fairtrade premiums, she was able to support her children through school and start a small business. Meeting farmers like Ama reinforced the ethical importance of buying Fairtrade chocolate, showing how it can transform lives.

Hosting Farmers and Sharing Their Stories in the UK

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role was hosting Ghanaian cocoa farmers during their visits to the UK for Fairtrade Fortnight. These events allowed farmers to tell their stories directly to UK audiences, making the impact of Fairtrade products personal and real. I organized talks at schools, community centres, and local events, where farmers explained how Fairtrade certification had helped them improve their lives.

These visits humanised the global supply chain, connecting consumer choices with the livelihoods of farmers. At one school event, students were captivated by how something as simple as purchasing a Fairtrade chocolate bar could contribute to building a water well in a small village. That day, we saw the true power of ethical consumerism in action.

Even though I now run my own chocolate consultancy, my passion for Fairtrade remains unwavering. I continue to advocate for Fairtrade principles across the Leeds Diocese, where I collaborate with local groups, churches, and schools to promote ethical trade practices. Fairtrade Fortnight is a powerful platform to encourage people to think about the impact of their purchases and to choose Fairtrade-certified products that support fairness and sustainability.

As part of my advocacy, I am honoured to present at church schools, the Mothers’ Union, and even during sermons, connecting the Fairtrade movement to our Christian values of justice and stewardship. These presentations are not only educational but also serve as inspiration for people to take tangible action in their communities.

Advocacy Beyond the UK

Beyond the UK, I collaborate with Fairtrade Mark Ireland a few times a year to promote Fairtrade certification and raise awareness about the benefits of ethical sourcing.

In my public chocolate workshops, I ensure that the chocolate I use is primarily sourced from Fairtrade-certified suppliers, emphasising the importance of sustainability in the chocolate industry.

My work with Fairtrade has taught me that ethical consumerism is not just about purchasing a product; it’s about standing for farmers' rights and ensuring they receive fair compensation.

The Fairtrade system empowers farmers to take control of their futures, and it encourages consumers to use their purchasing power to drive positive change.

A Continued Commitment to Ethical Trade

Running my own chocolate consultancy has given me a new platform to advocate for sustainability and ethical trade in the chocolate industry. I work with businesses and individuals who are interested in learning how they can support sustainable sourcing and promote transparency in the supply chain. I continue to champion Fairtrade principles in everything I do, believing that consumers’ choices can make a profound difference in farmers' lives.

Fairtrade Fortnight is a time of celebration, reflection, and action. It reminds me of the incredible journey I have been on, from working with Divine Chocolate to running my own business and advocating for Fairtrade across the Leeds Dioceseand Ireland. The values of fairness, transparency, and ethical responsibility that underpin the Fairtrade movement are principles I carry with me in all that I do.

As we raise awareness about fair trade, I encourage everyone to consider the impact of their choices, not just during Fairtrade Fortnight, but throughout the year.

By supporting Fairtrade-certified products, we can ensure that farmers and workers in developing countries receive fair wages and opportunities to build better futures for their families.

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