Sainsbury’s finds itself in hot water over Fairtrade tea

‘Sainsbury’s will bring benefits to the company and its shareholders rather than to its partner producers in the developing world,’ says Richard Webb. Photograph: Andy Aitchison/Oxfam

Mike Coupe is mistaken (Sainsbury’s under fire for dropping Fairtrade on tea, 6 July) in suggesting Fairtrade (and the Fairtrade mark) has become outdated. The Fairtrade mark is widely recognised and information is readily available for anyone unsure what it stands for (see the Fairtrade Foundation website). “Trying to bring clarity” to an environment with many different standards and labels (try to name more than three, Mr Coupe) by introducing yet another is not likely to succeed.

History suggests that by taking back control, Sainsbury’s (following a lead by Cadbury) will bring benefits to the company and its shareholders rather than to its partner producers in the developing world. I will continue to buy only tea and chocolate that carry the Fairtrade mark (thank you, Co-op).
Richard Webb
Penistone Fairtrade Town

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