40,000 Kiwis take part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break

For immediate release: May 23, 2011

40,000 Kiwis take part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break

The aroma of Fairtrade coffee looks set to linger long after Fair Trade Fortnight (May 7-22) for the thousands of Kiwis around the country who made the conscious choice to support coffee growers in the developing world by taking part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break.

40,000 coffee and chocolate lovers took part in over 1,200 Oxfam Coffee Breaks in homes, workplaces, schools and communities from Invercargill to Kaikohe over the past two weeks. Coffee Break hosts were sent free Fairtrade Whittaker’s chocolate, Caffe L’affare coffee and Kokako drinking chocolate as well as materials to introduce their guests to the benefits of Fairtrade.

Vector, Kiwibank, AUT University, TVNZ, Vero Insurance, Telstra Clear and numerous City Councils around the country were just some of the organisations that took part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break.

“We had an Oxfam Coffee Break in our office and sent in our donation. However, the real benefit – to my surprise – was in education. Most people in the office had not heard of Oxfam or Fairtrade, and were very interested in reading the information I put out,” said Mandy Drummond of Peddle Thorp Architects, Auckland.

“Eleven of my friends got together today for our annual Oxfam Coffee Break and we were thrilled to be able to raise $100 for Oxfam! Thank you for providing the idea and delicious coffee and chocolate to share with our croissants, sunshine and good company. Made it all a painless way to fundraise for a good cause,” said Sally & Alg Rudzevecuis, Napier.

Millions of farmers in over 60 developing countries are dependent on the coffee, tea and cocoa industries, struggling to support their families. A growing number of farmers are working their way out of this struggle by selling to the Fairtrade market.

Buying Fairtrade products is an effective way for shoppers to help growers in the developing world to work their way out of poverty – through better prices, decent working conditions, environmentally sustainable farming methods and investment in local community development.

“It’s been inspiring and encouraging to see the support that Kiwis have shown for Fairtrade,” said Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Barry Coates. “Fairtrade sales in New Zealand have increased dramatically each year. Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break encourages thousands of New Zealanders to buy more Fairtrade products and spread the word about the benefits it brings. We can make change, one cup at a time.”

“In choosing Fairtrade products at your local supermarket and cafe, consumers really can help growers in developing countries work their way to a better life for their families and communities.”

New Zealand continues to be one of the world's fastest growing markets for Fairtrade certified products, with sales more than doubling to $36.6 million in 2010. A wide range of Fairtrade products are now available in New Zealand, from coffee and chocolate to spices and sports balls.

ENDS