The FAIRTRADE mark, which you can now find on over 6,000 products in the UK (from coffee and tea to flowers and gold), is an international guarantee that the producers have been paid a fair price, received a social premium to fund developments in their community and helped to produce crops with greater respect for the environment. Fairtrade companies work in partnership with the producers and help them to negotiate better conditions.

Portsmouth achieved recognition as a Fairtrade City in March 2004. This meant that we had to prove that sufficient shops, cafes, restaurants and local groups used Fairtrade products, that we supported the idea, and that we had an effective publicity strategy. This status is renewed every two years. We have recently achieved Fairtrade City status until 2021, following a renewed motion of support from the full Council.

Fairtrade Foundation

The Fairtrade Foundation (which is a registered charity and commonly known as just Fairtrade) works with international partners to try to provide better trading conditions for third world producers who may be disadvantaged by the way that commodity markets operate.

They have encouraged retailers to buy commodities directly from the producer at a fair price. This allows the producers to pay their employees a fair wage, thus providing a better standard of living for the producers and their employees.

The Fairtrade Foundation allows products to be labelled as Fairtrade if they meet set criteria.

More details can be found:

  • by visiting the Fairtrade website
  • by telephoning 0207405 5942, or
  • by writing to The Fairtrade Foundation, 5-7 The Loom, 14 Gower’s Walk, London, EC1N 7RJ.

Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum

The Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum meets at the Civic Offices each month. Together with us they helped achieved Fairtrade City status for the city. They organise a range of events to promote Fairtrade locally, especially during Fairtrade Fortnight from late February each year. They also work with local businesses, schools and education groups.

Find out more

For more information about the Portsmouth Fairtrade group, visit their online forum page

For meeting dates, check their meetings calendar online

You can also join the Fairtrade South East Hants Facebook group or contact Jane Singh at vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or phone on 023 9289 0989.