Federated Co-op, among winners at Fairtrade Awards
At the first annual Canadian Fairtrade Awards, Sept. 20th, Saskatoon-based Federated Co-operatives, was one of seven Canadian retail and foodservice businesses recognized for their commitment to fair trade.
The awards, put on by Fairtrade Canada, were handed out at a reception in Toronto to retailers in several categories.
Among the winners: Federated Co-operatives (grocery/supermarket-large national or regional chain category); Choices Markets of B.C. (grocery/supermarket-small to medium independent); and The Big Carrot in Toronto (natural/health food store).
“We wanted to recognize the important role of retailers and foodservice providers in connecting consumers’ values and beliefs with their buying habits by giving visibility to Fair Trade certified products, and showcase some great examples of how this is being done,” said Tia Loftsgard, director of business development at Fairtrade Canada.
Fair trade is defined in the industry as an ethical approach to doing business that supports farming communities, ethical labour practices and sustainable agriculture around the world.
An independent panel of judges assessed nominees on criteria such as range of Fairtrade products offered by stores; promotion, education and engagement; and vision, mission, and values.
Other Fairtrade Award winners this year were: Van Houtte; Kicking Horse Café, Camino (by La Siembra), and Manitoba Liquor Marts.
An additional award was presented to Just Us Coffee, which was chosen as “Canada’s Favourite Fairtrade Certified Product” by nearly 5,000 Canadians who voted during Fairtrade Fortnight, a two-week blitz in May that promoted all things Fair Trade.
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