JD Wetherspoon makes switch to Fairtrade sugar

This comes ahead of Fairtrade Fortnight (24 February to 8 March), which will see businesses raise awareness about fair working conditions for people who grow and make food and drink products. 

JDW selected Tate & Lyle Sugars as its new supplier, which has worked with Fairtrade for more than a decade. 

The supplier has garnered almost US$60m (£46m) in Fairtrade Premium, an extra amount of money paid to farmers in addition to the market price they are paid. 

JDW Wetherspoon head of food Jameson Robinson explained: “We have worked with the Rainforest Alliance since 2008, and 100% of the tea and Lavazza coffee served in our pubs comes from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.

“The decision to now offer Fairtrade sugar for those drinks underlines our continued commitment to supporting farmers, producers and workers, here in the UK and overseas, who supply the products which we use and sell.”

Supply chain challenges

JDW pubs have self-service coffee stations and the sugar comes in individual stick packets. 

Fairtrade senior partnership manager Katie Burgess explained the benefits to stocking ethical suppliers for pubs.

She said: “Fairtrade delivers for your business where it counts for you; your supply chains. 

“From sourcing on Fairtrade terms to large-scale interventions and innovative partnerships, together we can tackle the biggest challenges facing the people who produce your products. 

Burgess added: “The expertise we offer is built on 25 years at the head of a movement for change that partners with businesses, consumers and campaigners to make trade work for farmers and workers.

“For customers, Fairtrade is a really easy way to vote with their wallets and make a difference to the lives of the farmers and workers who grow our food.”