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At Fairtrade it's fair's fair

29/10/2002

SHOPPERS in Macclesfield have been going 'bananas' to pledge their support to a local charity.

Macclesfield Fairtrade group gathered in Sainsbury's on Saturday to ask people to buy their food with a clear conscience, and support growers from abroad.

The charity say the Fairtrade mark is the only independent guarantee that growers in developing countries are getting a better deal, and are asking customers to look out for food that carries the mark, such as fruit, coffee and cocoa.

The 'banana bonanza' was to publicise the charity's new look logo, with the fruit being the first product ever to carry it. They hope that all products will carry the mark by the end of 2003.

And customers enjoyed hearing some tasty tips on how to eat them Martinique style, as they picked a free exotic recipe card.

Natalie Abbott of Macclesfield Fair Trade said: "We were explaining that Fairtrade bananas sold in Britain and Ireland are selected with care by family owned farms and small plantations in Ghana, the Windward Islands, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.

"Farmers selling to the Fairtrade market take great pride in growing, nurturing, and selecting their produce."

The Fairtrade group is set to launch a campaign to increase the use of their products in Macclesfield, and eventually make it an official Fairtrade town.

Natalie added: "We will be speaking to the council about using fair trade products themselves, and helping to encourage shops around the borough to use them. Every little step helps."