Sodexo switches to Fairtrade sugar
Sodexo has further sealed its commitment to ethical sourcing with the announcement that all loose and cubed sugar at its 929 restaurants and cafés in the UK is now Fairtrade.
The caterer and facilities management firm has partnered with Tate & Lyle Sugars to make the move to sugar carrying the Fairtrade mark, which guarantees fairer trade conditions for producers.
The move, which falls in the midst of Fairtrade fortnight (27 February - 11 March), takes the company's portfolio of Fairtrade products to more than 80, including coffee, tea, fruit, confectionery, wine and snacks.
The value of Fairtrade products the company purchases is in excess of £1 million a year.
Michelle Hanson, commercial director, Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: "In the UK, we buy 393 tonnes of loose and cubed sugar each year and it is great to be able to use our purchasing power to make a positive difference to the lives of producers and their communities."
Ashish Deo, commercial director at the Fairtrade Foundation, described Sodexo's step to use more Fairtrade sugar as a welcome step in the right direction.
Matthew Clark list two new Fairtrade wine ranges >>
Compass Group launches Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme >>
Bristol coffee firm pays to train Nicaraguan students instead of buying Fairtrade coffee >>
By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
E-mail your comments to Janie Manzoori-Stamford here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs