Compass Group is taking Fairtrade a step further by donating 5p on each item sold from a new range to Eatfair foundation projects.

The new Eatfair retail offer will be launched from over 800 sites, coinciding with upcoming Fairtrade Fortnight from 25 February to 10 March.

Ashish Deo, commercial director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “The new Eatfair range of products from Compass is a great example of an innovative way for a long-term Fairtrade supporter to go beyond the standards.

'I am really pleased to see the combination of higher sales through a widely available dedicated product range and additional contribution to producers' investment in improving agriculture.”

All profits will go towards assisting small producers in developing countries to access markets and integrate best sustainable practice in production. The first project will focus on providing seeds, tools and training to assist farmers in Uganda to sustainably produce coffee and food crops.

Field specialists will directly work with growers to inform them on optimum soil structure and fertility, erosion control, subsistence crop development and adapting to climate change.

Ian Sarson, group managing director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We are constantly seeking ways to develop this commitment and are delighted to introduce the Eatfair retail range this Fairtrade Fortnight.

'Eatfair projects will make a real difference to farmers in Africa, and we are immensely excited to take this step in driving sales of Fairtrade products and creating a significant impact as a result.”