Media Supporter

The fair trade market has become an important part of the UK’s retail landscape in recent years, with sales soaring 46% in 2007 not just in food or clothing but gifts as well. For people that want to give a really thoughtful present, a fair trade gift is ideal.

This year at Home & Gift we are working with ethical expert Juliet Bernard to choose the best fair trade products from our exhibitors, identifying them with our own fair trade stamp. From jewellery to home accessories and gifts of all kinds, we will be promoting products which show commitment to the fair trade principles outlined by IFAT (the global network for fair trade organisations) including:

• paying a fair price or a fair trade premium to suppliers which helps to alleviate poverty
• direct involvement with suppliers and their communities to give them a real say in their future
• the provision of good working conditions, where no child is employed and where gender equality is practised
• helping suppliers to reduce their impact on the environment

We will also be showcasing the Home & Gift fair trade selection in a special feature (see page 21) making them easy for you to find.

Juliet Bernard has worked on ethical projects for more than 10 years. She has helped launch a number of ethical brands such as One Water and Liberation Fairtrade Nuts and writes about fair trade, design and gadgets.

“I have met a number of producers from different parts of the world and I know the difference fair trade can make. We face an interesting challenge in developed countries. Simply by changing what we buy to fair trade products we can literally change the world.”

Visit the Kings Suite of the Harrogate International Centre to see our Fair Trade feature - which will include products from the following Home & Gift exhibitors: