Fairtrade guarantees a fair price to producers in the Third World, not subject to the free market which often traps them in an endless cycle of poverty. Minimum health, safety and environmental standards must be complied with, and no child or forced labour can occur. Producers are small scale, and organised into co-operatives. They are paid enough to enable them to invest in basics such as education, healthcare and clean water, as well as better equipment with which to make their living.

The UK is the world's largest market for Fairtrade goods, with about £190m worth sold last year out of global sales of over £500m which benefited over 5 million people in more than 50 countries. Best known for coffee, tea and bananas, there are now over 1500 Fairtrade products including clothing, sports balls and flowers, as well as spices, fruit juices and wine.

Full details are available online at www.fairtrade.org.uk