Case studies archive

Case study 16 - Fairtrade and the MPS

Through dialogue with their food consumables supplier the MPS have been able to introduce a Fairtrade range of tea, coffee and chocolate products, since July 2004.

Initially a stock of Fairtrade products was delivered to Catering Units supported by point of sale advertising but at the time demand for products was poor.

In Spring 2005 the MPS became involved in the London Food Link project funded by the London Development Agency and managed by Sustain, an alliance for better food and farming. A number of supplier workshops were held where Fairtrade options were discussed.

In 2007 the MPS were also involved in Fairtrade Fortnight. Fairtrade Fortnight is a national campaign run by the Fairtrade Foundation to increase awareness of Fairtrade issues and how consumers can help tackle the problems of international trade. In preparation for Fairtrade Fortnight the MPS approached Traidcraft, suppliers of Geobars, to support their campaign and a hamper was donated as a competition prize. To enter staff had to answer a question on the source of the honey used in Geobars (from a workers' cooperative Apicoop in Chile). The aim of the competition was to raise awareness about Fairtrade and to promote the availability of Fairtrade tea, coffee and chocolate snack products that could be bought from local MPS staff restaurants.

Over 600 staff took part in the competition, which generated very positive feedback.

The MPS is very keen to increase the promotion of Fairtrade products sold through staff restaurants. The MPS plans to promote Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 and the Environment Team will be working closely with Catering Services again on this initiative.