We think its essential for brands to be responsible and fair to their suppliers in developing countries. Nobody should be taken advantage of in their place of work and everyone should be paid fairly.

So, since its World Fair Trade Day today, we're highlighting some of our favourite products that carry the Fair Trade symbol. 

Dr. Bronner Organic Castile Liquid Soap

Certified as Fair Trade in 2007, this iconic organic soap company was initially founded in 1948 by Emil Bronner, whose progressive beliefs and quality products have always been a favourite of ours. Not only is Dr Bronner's Fair Trade, but they operate a zero waste strategy and always view profits second to their positive message, the welfare of their staff and suppliers.

Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soaps

Otto Chocolates
Seed And Bean Organic Chocolates - Chilli and Lime
Seed And Bean Organic Chocolates - Lemon Poppy Seed
Seed And Bean Organic Chocolates - Espresso
Seed And Bean Organic Chocolates - Cornish Sea Salt
Seed And Bean Organic Chocolates - Lavender 
Divine Fairtrade Chocolates 40g - White
Divine Fairtrade Chocolates 40g - Dark
Divine Fairtrade Chocolates 40g - Caramel
Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate - Caramel
Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate - Very Dark

We don't mess around when it comes to chocolate! Most of these are vegan and organic, too. Seed and Bean Chocolates are a UK company who are super focused on making their products ethical but also create some of the most original and tasty flavours like Lemon and Poppy Seed or Lavender! They make small batches of their chocolates and by using organic ingredients they're not only good for you and the environment but long term it actually works out cheaper for their suppliers!

Coco Zumi Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Traidcraft Fair Trade Honeys
Traidcraft Organic Orange Marmalade
Traidcraft Organic Strawberry Jam

Traidcraft are an incredible organisation who are dedicated to eradicating poverty through trading fairly with farmers and growers in developing countries. This charitable company don't only trade fairly, but they provide their suppliers with the right skills, knowledge and confidence to grow their endeavours and businesses. 

Hampstead Tea Organic Divine Earl Grey
Clipper Organic Earl Grey Tea
Clipper Tea 40 Bags
Clipper Organic Assam Tea
Pukka Organic 'Taste Alive' Teas - Rooibos & Honeybush
Pukka Organic 'Taste Alive' Teas - Star Anise & Cinnamon
Clipper Citrus & Aloe Vera Green Tea
Clipper Pure Green Tea
Clipper Citrus & Echinacea Green Tea
Suki Teas - Earl Grey Blue Flower
Suki Teas - Belfast Brew

Equal Exchange Dark City Roast Fresh Ground Coffee
Equal Exchange Women Farmers Roast & Ground Coffee 
Equal Exchange Organic Cashew Butter
Equal Exchange Organic Dark Tahini
Equal Exchange Organic Clear Honey
Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate - Caramel
Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate - Very Dark

The Equal Exchange is a company founded in Scotland in the late 1970s, when its founders were on an aid trip to Africa and it was revealed that coffee farmers were unable to sustain or profit from their work. With a growing trend in the western world for coffee, the team behind the Equal Exchange began fairly importing coffee beans from Tanzania and Nicaragua and selling them in the UK. This venture has since grown to fairly traded and fully traceable oils, sugars, cocoa, honey and nuts and most recently they have begun the project Grown by Women, with the simple yet essential belief that all "women should have the same access to choices, income and training as men."

Pick up some essentials in preparation of Cinco de Mayo - whether its a vegan quesadilla, spicy chocolate or zesty drinks - we've got some ideas for you.

Montezuma's Organic Milk Chocolates (Various Flavours)
Montezuma's Organic Dark Chocolates (Various Flavours)

Amaizin Organic Wheat Flour Tortilla Wraps
Vegusto No-Moo Melty Vegan Cheese

Firefly Revitalising Juice Drinks

Suma Organic Sweetcorn
Suma Organic Red Kidney Beans
Suma Organic Black Beans

Gomo Chopped Tomatoes

Vivid Matcha Drink With Lime, Ginger And Honey

Purple Sprouting Brocolli 
As well as being beautiful to look at, this veg' is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Spanish Strawberries
In season slightly early this year is the much-adored strawb'! Lucky for us in Scotland, we've had a few brighter days to enjoy them in the sun!

Hispy Cabbages
Also known as sweetheart cabbages, these are beautifully fragrant and rich with iron. After giving them a good steam, we recommend slathering them in butter and adding a small squeeze of lemon juice.

Plums
Deliciously sweet plums fresh in store! 

New Potatoes
The super versatile new potato is perfect in spring salads.

Cauliflower 
Growing in popularity by the day, we have the cauliflower - with cheese, steamed, stir fried, riced or blended and baked into a carb-free crust - the possibilities are endless!

Outdoor English Rhubarb
It's surprisingly easy to cook rhubarb so if you haven't already, now is the time to prepare a crumble, compote or other sweet pud'.

Peas
Crunchy and sweet, fresh peas in a pod are a tasty snack but also a great accompaniment for any meal! 

Wild Garlic
Its prime time for Wild Garlic! This underrated, mellow cousin of traditional garlic is wonderful in everything from omelettes, risottos and even in a pesto.

Find us 457 Great Western Road or 1137 Argyle Street and stock up with these seasonal gems. 

"In this ideal world, we'd be looking for a couple of places to pick up the bulk of our groceries – local produce, reasonable prices, you know the drill. Roots and Fruits and Peckhams in the West End of Glasgow both fit the bill, with Roots leading the charge on the fruit and veg front. They encourage you to get what you need for the day, on the day, to cut down waste and help you eat the freshest food you can. Handily, there is an actual greengrocer with years of experience running the place to recommend seasonal produce and give you ideas on what to do with it once you get home, and the adjoining deli can hook you up with delicious fresh bread and pastries."

We received a lovely write up online and in print in this month's The Skinny as part of their 2017 food and drink survey!
We're also very pleased to have been voted as one of Scotland's best food & drink shops again this year!
Read the whole article here.