Vox Pop
Maltesers are soon to become Mars’ first Fairtrade product. Do you think large companies, like Mars, have an obligation to set a good example and have Fairtrade goods?
Linda Thomas, 62, management, Penylan
No, not really. They don’t have an ethical responsibility as they are a confectionary manufacturer and not a political organisation.
Kate Jarman, 26, occupational therapist, Roath
Yes, definitely. These companies are large because they are affluent and they do sometimes, maybe unintentionally, exploit poor people.
David Clark, 57, retired, Rhiwbina
It’s all very well and good doing these wonderful things but you really need to keep an eye on costs.
James Davies, 34, shop assistant, London
Yes, they are such a big company they need to lead the way then smaller companies will follow.
Laura Beynon, 23, nurse, Lakeside
Yes. They may also increase their market as a wider range of people may feel more compelled to buy their product if it’s Fairtrade.
Ian Walton, 41, party manager, Beverley, East Riding
Yes, I definitely think so. If the larger companies can’t set a good example, why should the smaller ones bother?
The next Fairtrade sale will be held at Park End Church, Rhydypenau Crossroads on Saturday 5 November from 10am to 4pm. For more details contact Jan Tucker (029 20759802) or Janet Chapman (029 20612510).
Cardiff hosts a string of events promoting Fairtrade products
In the run up to the festive season, a series of community Fairtrade events will be held in Cardiff, offering an array of food, beverages, crafts and jewellery.
Rebecca Lacey, who organised one such fair held in Lisvane last weekend said, ‘The event is a good opportunity to promote Fairtrade and try and get it into mainstream shopping.’
But are the valiant efforts of local volunteers enough? Do bigger businesses need to become more involved? A recent survey published on the Fairtrade website shows that UK consumers are increasingly expecting large companies to be responsible in their dealings with farmers and workers in developing countries. This follows the news that Maltesers are soon to become Mars’ first Fairtrade product.
Vox Pop
Maltesers are soon to become Mars’ first Fairtrade product. Do you think large companies, like Mars, have an obligation to set a good example and have Fairtrade goods?
Linda Thomas, 62, management, Penylan
No, not really. They don’t have an ethical responsibility as they are a confectionary manufacturer and not a political organisation.
Kate Jarman, 26, occupational therapist, Roath
Yes, definitely. These companies are large because they are affluent and they do sometimes, maybe unintentionally, exploit poor people.
David Clark, 57, retired, Rhiwbina
It’s all very well and good doing these wonderful things but you really need to keep an eye on costs.
James Davies, 34, shop assistant, London
Yes, they are such a big company they need to lead the way then smaller companies will follow.
Laura Beynon, 23, nurse, Lakeside
Yes. They may also increase their market as a wider range of people may feel more compelled to buy their product if it’s Fairtrade.
Ian Walton, 41, party manager, Beverley, East Riding
Yes, I definitely think so. If the larger companies can’t set a good example, why should the smaller ones bother?
The next Fairtrade sale will be held at Park End Church, Rhydypenau Crossroads on Saturday 5 November from 10am to 4pm. For more details contact Jan Tucker (029 20759802) or Janet Chapman (029 20612510).