Monthly Archives: February 2010

Global Poverty Project

We were proud to sponsor Global Poverty Project for the launch at St Paul’s Cathedral to churches across the UK. They had an audience of 800 which we think is a wonderful achievement. Well done!

They were  joined by the Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander, the  Archbishop of York John Setanmu and TV presenter Denise Robertson.

Here they are wearing their Fairtrade T shirts and taking part in the Global Poverty Project “Tug of War”.

Look at their web site to find out more about the work they do http://globalpovertyproject.com/blog/

Times Article

An article in the Times today reported sales of Fairtrade goods up by 12% in the UK. The majority of this was due to an increase in Chocolate and Coffee sales (Cadbury and Starbucks). However there was not an equivalent increase in sales of Cotton.  Other interesting snippets in the article was that now all 58 flavours of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream are made with Fairtrade ingredients. Sainsbury’s is the worlds biggest retailer of Fairtrade goods.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article7035597.ece

So – as Cotton Roots is in the business of Cotton, how do we make our contribution and start to increase sales in cotton?  Our stategy is to supply good quality garments at a competitive price.  For example offering garments which if the are labeled  “medium” actually are “medium”.  Time after time.  It sounds common sense but in our industry this is not always the case and we searched high and low before finding our manufacturing partner.  They consistently makes for us top quality garments every time and it is organised beautifully by Morses who continues to give us confidence.  It means that when a customer comes back to us for their second and third orders they are confident of what they will receive.

Price – always a sensitive issue.  Again in our industry companies are used to being able to purchase T shirts and polo shirts at incredibly low prices.  However we do believe “you get what you pay for” and we have customers who do want good quality garments, printed or embroidered with their logo, along with excellent quality service.  Fairtrade T shirts do cost a little more but not that much more.  We want to offer good quality at a comparable price and give a real option.

Misty Day on Rose Lane Farm

We are based on the beautiful Rose Lane Farm. Our drive is through quietly growing cornfields just showing through the soil. It is a wonderful misty day. Karen and Ros are working to ensure superb high quality embroidery for the Open University ready for the opening of their new restaurants next week. Lisa is in India which reminds me of my trip to visit the Fairtrade cotton farmers I spent time with in November. A different type of farm to Rose lane!

Fairtrade School T Shirts

Happy Fairtrade families

Well we have our thinking caps on here at Cotton Roots.  We have stock in five different colours of our Fairtrade and organic cotton T shirts in adult sizes – extra small – 2xl.  But we are thinking “Why not stock childrens sizes as well”?  It seems like a good idea but are there schools who would like them for part of their uniform? A Fairtrade School uniform.  Helen is investigating.  We are planning to ask headteachers of schools who are already Fairtrade  to see if they would be interested.  If you have any comments, thoughts, or suggestions please leave a comment for us.  All ideas gratefully received!

Fairtrade Fortnight Milton Keynes

Our local city Milton Keynes has a very pro-active Fairtrade group and they have organised many events for the Fairtrade Fortnight. See http://www.mkfairtrade.org.uk/page.cfm. Our intrepid Helen is launching her EyetoEye Fairtrade Food stall at Wolverton market this week. So fingers crossed it is a roaring success. The group also have a stall at the Stony Stratford Beer Festival – with Fairtrade wines and beers.

Open University

The largest University in the UK the Open University have purchased Fairtrade organic cotton T shirts and Fairtrade cotton aprons for it catering staff. We have worked with the university to source the full range of uniforms from manufacturers who are strong members of the ETI. The Open university have a sound track record and try to support Fairtrade through the range of food they offer and we are delighted to work with them on staff uniforms. Well done Open University!