It's Fairtrade Fortnight and a Sandbach Co-op store was lucky enough to have two important visitors to highlight the occasion.

Fiona Bruce MP, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion, took time out of her busy day to attend the Co-op Live event at the Lawton Way Co-op in Elworth.

Fiona Bruce MP, whose constituency includes Sandbach, is Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

In 2022 Fiona was elected as Chair of the 42-country International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.

Fiona Bruce MP and Sandbach Mayor came together to show their support for Fairtrade (Photo: Deborah Bowyer)

A big fan of Fairtrade products, Fiona chooses them whenever possible.

She said: "It's a wonderful way of supporting the actual producers and the products they produce and helping those in countries where people struggle for a subsistence living.

"Fairtrade products encourage a better quality of life and help families and those involved in the production and harvesting of the products. They are great products and I choose them whenever I can."

More than 55 customers at the Co-op in Lawton Way, enjoyed learning about Co-op Fairtrade products on Saturday (March 4th) at the only Co-op Fairtrade live in Cheshire, including Sandbach mayor, Councillor Kathryn Flavell.

"This is a brilliant way of supporting Fairtrade and I am delighted to take part. The Co-op is a great advocate for Fairtrade and has some wonderful products for us to try from chocolate to roses and wine," said Cllr Flavell.

Fairtrade fortnight takes place from 27th to March 12th and shines a light on the growing climate emergency, which is affecting the foods we love and the communities who produce them.

Co-op Fairtrade products include items such as roses, wine, coffee and chocolate

Some of our favourite products such as bananas, cocoa and coffee are at risk due to climate change, but by choosing Fairtrade products in store, we can make a difference.

By choosing Fairtrade products, you are doing your bit to support farmers and growers in the world's poorest nations.

The Co-op has been supporting Fairtrade for over 29 years and it's one of the ways which it delivers its vision to Co-operate for a Fairer World.

Cate Hickey, Fairtrade Manager at the Co-op said: "The world is facing a climate crisis – it is affecting the foods we love and the communities who produce them.

"But by choosing Fairtrade, you can support producers on the frontline of the climate crisis and help to protect the future of our food.

As well as Co-op Fairtrade products on the shelves, there is also a fun Fairtrade bingo game here. For families to download and enjoy.

Display board at the Co-op Live event in Sandbach (Photo: Deborah Bowyer)

Co-op membership helps support local causes and the Co-op's national charity partners. See www.coop.co.uk/membership to find out more or become a Co-op Member.

Image: Fairtrade Certification

At Co-op, Fairtrade is core to our vision of co-operating for a fairer world. Co-op's commitment to Fairtrade means producers are provided with better incomes and training to adapt to climate challenges.

"You can take part in Fairtrade Fortnight by simply choosing Fairtrade, by spreading the word or by hosting a Fairtrade Fortnight event. Together, we can champion Fairtrade. Remember, what you put in your basket can make a positive change to lives around the world and the planet we love."