A Kenyan tea producer is the special guest at a Fairtrade tea party organised by The Channel Islands Co-operative Society. The events, at the Grand Hotel in Jersey and the Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey on Friday 9th March, is part of International Year of Co-operatives celebrations. The visit coincides with Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from the 27th February to 11th March.
Mr Joseph Cheruiyot is a producer from the Kibagenge Tea Co-operative inKenya, who have been providing tea to The Co-operative Society for seven years. Kibagenge, which translates in the farmers' local language as "coming together as one", brings together more than 11,000 individual growers into five co-operatives.
Mr Cheruiyot, who speaks four languages, is attending events around Great Britain. He will be giving speeches and also visiting schools to talk about the Fairtrade concept. He hopes to give a real insight into life and the experiences of a Fairtrade producer as well as the benefits that come with combining Fairtrade with the co-operative business model.
There are a limited number of places available to members of the public who wish to attend the tea party. 15 invites will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Anyone who would like to come along should call 01534 485522 or email gyeoman@ci-coop.com to express their interest.
Jim Plumley, Chief Commercial Officer for The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, commented "We are delighted to have Mr Cheruiyot with us during Fairtrade Fortnight to talk about his co-operative tea production inKenyaand the fascinating journey his tea has to get to our shelves. Fairtrade and the Co-operative Society have been synonymous with each other since Fairtrade began and the work continues to ensure a fair price is paid to producers around the world. What better way to celebrate that perfect blend than with a cup of Fairtrade tea!"
Mr Cheruiyot will also be attending a similar event in Guernsey later the same day.
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