The City of London has been successfull in its bid to retain its status as a Fairtrade Zone.

The re-accreditation which takes place every two years under the watchful eye of the Fairtrade Foundation, is the fourth time the City has successfully demonstrated its commitment to Fairtrade since its first sought recognition in 2007.

Winning this accolade has only been possible due to the wide availability of Fairtrade products in local shops and high levels of support from local people, businesses, faith groups and schools.

The City of London’s Fairtrade Steering Group which is composed of residents, businesses, faith groups, liverymen, common councillors and even high court judges, has promoted Fairtrade through events, debates, tasting evenings and markets across the Square Mile.

Group Chairman, The Revd George R. Bush, Rector of St Mary-le-Bow Church on Cheapside said: "We’re really delighted that the City has been recognised for its efforts. City businesses, communities and institutions have taken this issue to heart and Fairtrade procurement is very much the norm for responsible businesses.”

Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We’re so pleased that the City of London has renewed their Fairtrade status and laid out clear exciting goals to take Fairtrade further.”

“Thanks to the ongoing support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”

Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn stable incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest as the farmer-owned co-operative democratically chooses, in projects that will benefit their business or community.