Oxfam’s new Manchester superstore is celebrating 30 years of Fairtrade with a series of shopper events this month.
Food tastings, competitions and café specials are all planned to help mark three decades since the first Fairtrade certified products hit supermarket shelves in the UK.
The new Manchester superstore opened in July with two floors full of preloved clothing, accessories, books, homewares and music, as well a café housed in an Oxfam water tank.
Alison Hutchinson, senior buyer for Oxfam’s ‘Sourced by Oxfam’ range which brings together the best of ethical, sustainable and brand-new items from around the world, said: “At our huge new superstore in Manchester, we are using this milestone anniversary to encourage even more of our wonderful customers to give Fairtrade products a go.
“From coffee and chocolate to giftbags and cards, buying Fairtrade items is about ensuring better prices, safe working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.”
There are several Fairtrade events coming up at Oxfam Manchester Superstore. All Oxfam shops will also be running a 20% discount throughout October on selected Fairtrade goods.
October 19: Free coffee at the Water tank Café with entry into a Café Direct Tasting Competition. Shoppers can play “Guess the Origin” of their coffee and correct guesses will be entered into a raffle for a Fairtrade Coffee & Chocolate Hamper.
October 25: Zaytoun Food tasting and talk
October 26: Divine Chocolate tasting and talk
November 12: English tea shop tea tasting
Alison added: “We hope shoppers see this as an opportunity to help support millions of farmers simply by changing the way they shop. Fairtrade sets off a ripple effect that has seen children go to school, reforestation projects started and marginalised communities engage in training initiatives and businesses.”
