The UK’s largest caterer Compass Group is to switch exclusively to Fairtrade bananas from May.

Last year Compass sold approximately 1.565m kg of bananas, nearly half of which (45%) were Fairtrade, and it expects to sell a similar volume this year.

Compass also retails Fairtrade options including tea, coffee, juices, confectionery and wine. 

Mike Walden, Compass purchasing director for the UK and Ireland, said: “Customers are becoming increasingly conscious of the provenance of their food and want to know that it is ethically sourced. 

By extending our range to include more ethically sourced products we are responding to the needs of our consumers and supporting farmers and communities.”

Fairtrade fortnight began on 28 February.

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By Chris Druce

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