London celebrates becoming Fairtrade capital of the world!

Londoners have more choice than ever before when it comes to selecting Fairtrade in the nation's capital, as on Thursday 23 October, 2008, London became the world's largest Fairtrade City.

Hundreds of businesses have signed up to the campaign, meaning that Londoners will never again have to go very far to buy the Fairtrade products they want. In achieving Fairtrade City status, the nation's capital sent a strong message that the people of London want trade to be fairer.

"It's super news that London is now officially the world's largest Fairtrade city, with 20 Fairtrade boroughs in the capital. It sends a clear message that Londoners want their products to be Fairtrade and to make a significant difference to the lives of farmers and workers n the developing world."

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.

"Now London has achieved Fairtrade City status we can really stake our claim as the Fairtrade Capital of the World. We are proud to play our part in tipping the balance of trade in favour of producers but we recognise that there is so much more to be done and we hope that people all over London will continue to do their bit by joining their local campaign and getting their schools and workplaces to stock more Fairtrade marked products."

Sophi Tranchell, Chair of the London Fairtrade Campaign.

The London campaign is supported by companies and organisations including The Co-operative, Divine Chocolate, Cafédirect, KPMG, the GLA, Oxfam, London Food Link and the Fairtrade Foundation.