Fair Trade Experience

Even if I hadn’t known about the Fair Trade Experience the plethora of ‘Nuts about Fairtrade’ cotton bags around Glasgow last weekend would have been an indication that something was happening. Upstairs in the Concert Hall I was greeted with smiles and chocolates as I handed over my £1 entrance fee. Inside there were more free samples – from the aforementioned bags to a variety of food and drink – more chocolate (I really like ‘Blakes’ filled chocolate bars), hot’n'spicy nuts, juice, wine, tea, coffee and dried fruit – all offered with smiles and chat. Stalls with clothes, jewellery, foodstuffs, handcrafted items and information took up 3 aisles with a small tearoom to the side. All busy but with time to discuss their wares, ethics or the weather which, I think, makes the buying experience more personal and pleasurable.
There were children’s activities and holistic therapies on offer too, as well as a programme of speakers, musicians and storytellers on stage which all added to the party atmosphere.
On leaving the venue, full up and laden, I was given a newspaper and a questionnaire.
Excellent value and a really good celebration of all that Fairtrade is about.