The East of England Co-operative Society is again getting behind Fairtrade Fortnight (22nd February to 7th March) with a major push of Fairtrade products in its 135 Supermarkets and Food Stores across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual event aimed at raising the profile of Fairtrade Mark products, which helps producers in developing countries by guaranteeing fair prices and providing an additional social premium to fund vital community projects.

‘The Big Swap’ is the main theme for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, to encourage people to switch their usual products for ones carrying the Fairtrade Mark.  To encourage shoppers to switch, the East of England Co-operative Society is offering up to 20 per cent off selected Fairtrade products from now until 9th March 2010.

Richard Samson, Chief Executive, said:  “Our supermarkets and food stores have a wide range of Fairtrade products available all year round and with the special offers available during Fairtrade Fortnight it’s an ideal time to make the switch and try Fairtrade.  We are also holding a range of events to promote Fairtrade across the region.”

The Co-op is the UK’s leading supermarket supporter of Fairtrade, and its extensive Fairtrade range covers everything from chocolate to fruit and nuts, cereals, hot and cold drinks, cakes and a market-leading wine range. 

Note to editors:
The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia and has over 200 trading outlets which are located in 74 towns and villages, including the three regional centres of Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester.  

The Society’s diverse business activities include: supermarkets and food stores, travel, pharmacy, optical and funeral branches, petrol forecourts, motor dealership, training academy, and events and conference centre. 
 
Contact:
Miriam Harrup, Communications Manager, East of England Co-operative Society
Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2BJ
Email: m.harrup@eastofengland.coop