Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off on Monday with a business breakfast hosted by law firm Burges Salmon – the first of a series of events strengthening Bristol’s role as one of the world’s leading Fairtrade cities.
Speaking at the breakfast will be Margarita Espinoza, a Nicaraguan Fairtrade coffee producer. Margarita, from the Soppexcca Co-operative, will be in Bristol for the entire fortnight and will be speaking to around 1,500 children in local schools as well as at events.
Margarita, who is being hosted by Bristol Link with Nicaragua, has arrived in Bristol and yesterday visited Bristol’s Essential Trading Co-operative in Fishponds.
A key focusof the fortnight is the South West Fairtrade Business Awards ceremony at City Hall on March 6, sponsored by the Co-operative Membership.
The awards recognise businesses in the region that use and promote Fairtrade. Some 53 businesses have been shortlisted.
The ceremony will be hosted by The Observer’s ethical correspondent Lucy Siegle and will be followed by a business networking lunch sponsored by Shared Interest Foundation. 
Mayor, of Bristol George Ferguson, who will open the business awards ceremony, said “Bristol is brilliantly placed to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. I particularly welcome the educational aspect which will be a valuable learning experience for local young people.
“I’m also looking forward to celebrating those local businesses who are true Fairtrade champions.
“Of course this fortnight is really about people from all over the world whose lives are changed for the better by everyone who chooses Fairtrade. I’m tremendously proud of those Bristol businesses and residents who really lead the way.”
Bristol will host of the International Fair trade Towns conference in 2015.
Other events during Fairtrade Fortnight include a Fairtrade Schools Conference on Wednesday hosted by SGS College in Filton when 110 children and teachers from across the South West will learn about Fairtrade, meet Margarita, and Skype workers at a Fairtrade school uniform factory in India.
The Fortnight ends with a celebration for International Women’s Day called Changing the World for Women and Girls, at the M Shed on Saturday March 8, 7.30-10.30pm. It will include a film, a panel debate and live music from The Cat’s Pyjamas and Mykala Cheung as well as Fairtrade refreshments.
For details on the business awards and tickets go to: http://swftbusinessawards.eventbrite.co.uk
