The Co-operative Food says it is the first UK retailer to switch all of its own-brand bunches of standard and single stem roses to Fairtrade.
The retailer says that from this week onwards, all of The Co-operative’s standard rose bunches and single stems will be sourced from Fairtrade-certified growers in Kenya and from Fairtrade suppliers such as Finlays and JZ Flowers.
Brad Hill, Fairtrade Development Manager for The Co-operative Food, commented: “This is a great achievement for the Fairtrade movement, and we are very proud to have become the first retailer in the UK to make this important step.
'Fairtrade guarantees growers in developing countries a better life and a brighter future, and this move will be the first of many for us this year, as we honour our commitment to ensuring that, if our products can be Fairtrade, they will be.”
Meanwhile, Michael Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation has praised The Co-operative and urged other UK supermarkets to follow its lead.
He said: “ Fairtrade is making a lasting difference to communities of flower producers in Kenya - from helping to transform environmental impact to providing dedicated healthcare to women in the local area.
'The Co-operative’s commitment is an inspirational pledge of support for all that the flower workers want to achieve.
