Travellers can have a Fairtrade trip

19 December 2008 -

Ethical visitors to Northern Ireland will soon be able to visit the best Fairtrade shops with the help of an awards ceremony.

Voting has opened for the 2009 Fairtrade Belfast Awards, which recognises the achievements of shops who promote the brand and sell its products.

Next year will be the third such awards, consisting of six categories, meaning travellers can visit the Best Independent Retailer, Best Supermarket, Best Cafe, Best Bar or Restaurant and the overall accolade for a contribution to Fairtrade.

Lord mayor of Belfast Tom Hartley says: "The third annual Fairtrade Belfast Awards offer consumers in the city the chance to nominate for official recognition those shops, restaurants and cafes who actively promote and sell Fairtrade products."

The public and past visitors to Belfast can vote in the awards on the council's website, which will be up until February 13th 2009.

Businesses and shops will have to wait until Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 23rd to March 8th, to find out who has won.

Last year's awards saw the Oasis Cafe, the John Hewitt Bar and Restaurant and the Pueblos Fairtrade Shop all win.