23rd February 2010

The Big Sugar Swap - Compass does its bit for Fairtrade

The thrust of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight (22 February – 7 March) is ‘The Big Swap’ whereby we are all encouraged to swap non-Fairtrade purchases for Fairtrade options.

Compass Group UK & Ireland has committed to purchasing 100% Fairtrade certified sugar across the entire business operation by June 2010. Compass is the first in the industry to make such a large-scale pledge, highlighting its commitment to Fairtrade and ethical sourcing.

The company has partnered with Tate & Lyle to make this sugar swap possible and will be rolling out Fairtrade sugar sachets across all of its catering sites throughout February to coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight. The rest of the sugar purchased by Compass will be Fairtrade by June 2010.

Commenting on Compass’ commitment to Fairtrade, Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation said: “Congratulations to Compass for supporting the Big Swap by announcing their commitment to swap their sugar to Fairtrade by the summer. This is sweet news for Fairtrade Farmers who through Fairtrade receive a fair price and a Fairtrade premium. Compass’ enthusiastic support for Fairtrade is an excellent example of how companies can get involved and make a real difference. We urge other companies to do the same.”

Mike Walden, executive director – Purchasing & Supply Chain, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “Compass UK currently buys more than 1200 tonnes of sugar a year so this is a major move for the business and one that we hope will have a big impact on the communities we are supporting by switching to Fairtrade sugar. Our sugar will primarily come from growers in Belize, helping them to secure their future through investment in schools, hospitals and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.”

About Fairtrade

The Fairtrade Mark is a certification mark and a registered trademark of Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) of which the Fairtrade Foundation is the UK member. The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent certification body that licenses the use of the Fairtrade Mark on products that meet international Fairtrade standards. This independent consumer label is now recognised by 72% of UK consumers and appears on products as a guarantee that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal. Today, more than 7.5 million people – farmers, workers and their families – across 58 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.