Comedian, Harry Hill, went bananas about a new way to support Fairtrade with savings. He opened the first ever Fairtrade Saver Account with Triodos Bank at the launch in London. This groundbreaking new account ties consumers’ savings directly to some of the UK’s most innovative fair trade initiatives and will benefit hundreds of producers in developing countries. It was developed by the Fairtrade Foundation along with social banking pioneers, Triodos Bank.
***image1***
Comedian, Harry Hill, the first Fairtrade Saver Account holder, visited the Volta River Estates banana plantation, in Ghana, with the Fairtrade Foundation. Photo: © Triodos

“More and more people are deeply concerned about a global system that marginalises producers in developing countries,” said director of the Fair-trade Foundation, Harriet Lamb. “Of course, people can buy fair trade foods, but the new Fairtrade Saver Account is another simple way they can also support fair trade.” Triodos will donate 25p in every £100 deposited to the Fairtrade Foundation, an organisation that campaigns on behalf of third world producers. Growing popularity with consumers has led to Fairtrade retail sales increasing by 90 per cent between 2000 and 2002. The account could raise significant sums for UK fair trade buyers and retailers, potentially benefiting thousands of producers in developing countries.

“This new account is a powerful, innovative development allowing people to use their money in ways that directly benefit entrepreneurs across the globe, from coffee growers in Guatemala to consumers in Guildford,” said Triodos Bank Managing Director, Charles Middleton. “With interest rates now at record lows, consumers are looking for more than just a financial return on their money.”
Retailers from within the industry welcomed the arrival of the new initiative. “The account links organisations like ours, the producers who supply us and UK consumer’s growing appetite for ethical products in a direct, practical way. It has the potential to bring very real benefits to us all,” said Phil King who is the Financial Director at CafÈdirect.
FURTHER INFORMATION : Triodos Bank’s Fairtrade Saver Partnership Account Free tel: 0500 008 720