In order to assist communities in the developing world and to ensure farmers and producers in these countries receive a fair price for their products, in 1994 the Fairtrade mark was launched.

Fairtrade represents producer organisations in the developing world and now has over 1500 products retailing in the supermarkets and specialised shops in this country. These products include Fairtrade tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, fresh fruits and even Fairtrade footballs!

You may have to pay a little more for these products in the supermarket, but Fairtade guarantees the farmer or producer receives a good price for their product. They receive a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production and an extra premium that is invested in social or economic development projects.

With all this in mind, Malton is aiming to become a Fairtrade town and is encouraging the local authority, schools, cafes, restaurants and businesses in the area to use fair trade products.

From 1st August 2007, J M Packaging will start to use Fairtrade products in our company. This will include all tea, coffee, sugar and chocolate biscuits used in the business.