Celebrating 30 Years of the Fairtrade Mark
2024 was a special year for Gosport Fairtrade Action (GFA) as we joined the nationwide celebrations of 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark. Across the year, we organised events and activities with businesses, schools, churches, community groups and Gosport Borough Council, spreading the message of Fairtrade and climate justice.
Meeting Our MP (19 April 2024)
In April, we met with Dame Caroline Dinenage MP to explore how more local businesses could be encouraged to support Fairtrade. This meeting helped open discussions about expanding Fairtrade’s presence across Gosport’s high street and community.
Gosport Business Awards (23 May 2024)
At the Gosport Business Awards, held at St Vincent College, GFA hosted a display encouraging local businesses to use Fairtrade products. The event was a great opportunity to network with nominated businesses and discuss how Fairtrade can benefit both communities and companies.
Fairtrade Fortnight (9–22 September 2024)
This year’s theme was “Be the Change – Choose Fairtrade”, and GFA organised a range of activities to mark the occasion.
Displays
We set up displays in the Discovery Centre and Town Hall Reception Area, highlighting the impact of Fairtrade and how individuals and organisations can get involved.
Mayor’s Fairtrade Tea Party (20 September 2024)
A key highlight was the Mayor’s Tea Party hosted by Gosport Mayor, Richard Earle, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fairtrade Mark.
- The Mayor cut a special celebration cake.
- A raffle prize of a Waitrose Fairtrade hamper, presented by Waitrose Gosport Manager Shaun Clasby, was won by Sophie from Level Up.
- Guests included Councillors and representatives from local and national businesses.
- Guest speaker Duncan Gates, Business Engagement Officer at the Fairtrade Foundation, shared inspiring examples of how businesses can engage with Fairtrade, including a case study from Greggs.
- GFA Chair gave an illustrated presentation on the climate crisis, the risks facing farmers of tea, coffee, bananas and chocolate, and how Fairtrade can help ensure a fairer, more sustainable future. He urged everyone to “Be the Change” by choosing Fairtrade, spreading the word, and lobbying MPs to support fairer trade and climate funding.
Guests also enjoyed:
- A Fairtrade quiz
- A raffle with prizes donated by Waitrose, The Co-op, and Morrisons
- Delicious Fairtrade refreshments, including cakes baked by GFA members
Fairtrade Coffee Morning (21 September 2024)
The celebrations continued with a lively Fairtrade Coffee Morning at St Mary’s Church, Alverstoke.
- Activities included quizzes, games, and a rolling visual presentation about Fairtrade.
- Children coloured in birthday cards for Fairtrade’s 30th anniversary and went on a treasure hunt for Fairtrade Maltesers (thanks to ASDA).
- Families played a special Fairtrade version of snakes and ladders – complete with banana skins instead of snakes!
- Parish ladies baked magnificent cakes using Fairtrade ingredients, ensuring the refreshments matched the spirit of the day.
Looking Back at 2024
From political engagement to community celebrations, 2024 was a year of milestones. Gosport marked 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark with energy, creativity and collaboration.
Together with schools, churches, businesses and the Borough Council, we reminded our community that by choosing Fairtrade we can help farmers adapt to climate change, protect nature, and secure the future of the foods we love.
Here’s to building on this momentum in 2025 – and continuing to Be the Change.