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Promote Fair trade coffee where you shop

Ask for fair trade coffee where you usually buy your coffee. Ask to speak to the manager, and briefly explain the concept of fair trade, and why it would make good business sense for the establishment to offer fair trade coffee. For example, you could mention the growing consumer support shown in polling data and sales growth. Provide the web page address and phone number of Transfair Canada so that the business can research supplier options.

You can also approach your local coffee source by:

• Writing a letter
• Filling out and dropping off consumer cards.
  Many large chains have consumer comment cards available at the checkout
• Asking a supplier to contact a retailer in your area.
  For example, one of the suppliers in the wider Toronto region includes a form on its web page asking for the names of retailers that you would like them to approach concerning the sale of fair trade coffee.

The kinds of businesses you can approach

Supermarkets

While supermarkets have been reluctant to sell fairly traded coffee, there have been successes where consumers have been persistent. Many supermarket chains now carry fair trade coffee and chocolates.

Institutional Vendors

You can ask an organization or institution with which you are associated to tell its coffee supplier that it wants fair trade coffee. For example, McMaster University now requires campus coffee retailers to offer the choice of fairly traded coffee at all campus outlets.

Gourmet Roasters / Coffee Retailers

A number of smaller gourmet roasters have pioneered in the selling of fair trade coffee, and deserve our support. They are listed on the Transfair Canada website. As well, in May 2002, Starbucks Coffee Canada signed an agreement, currently under implementation, to sell fair trade coffee.

We have a Fair Trade brochure available at this website that can be printed and distributed. This brochure can be handed out to family, friends and left in key locations like libraries, public bulletin boards, health food stores and co-ops.

Fair Trade Brochure (PDF file)
Required Adobe Acrobat Reader
Click here to download (free)