South African community project
FAIRTRADE SPARKLING ROSÉ - ANOTHER ETHICAL FIRST FOR THE CO-OPERATIVE
The Co-operative is to become the first retailer in the UK to introduce a Fairtrade sparkling rosé wine.
The retailer is introducing The Co-operative Fairtrade Cape Sparkling Rosé to its market-leading own-brand Fairtrade wine range. This follows on from the success of the first Fairtrade sparkling brut which The Co-operative launched last year.
The Co-operative is to become the first retailer in the UK to introduce a Fairtrade sparkling rosé wine.
The sparkling rosé comes from the Du Toitskloof wine co-operative in the Western Cape of South Africa, where The Co-operative already sources the sparkling brut and five other Fairtrade wines. The Co-operative has been working with Du Toitskloof since 2005 on what is one of the largest Fairtrade projects in the world.
As well as paying a guaranteed price for the grapes, The Co-operative uniquely matches the Fairtrade premium set by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO) for this project, thereby doubling the amount the growers receive. So far, a staggering £450,563 has been raised for the local community through the sales of Fairtrade wines in the UK. This premium has been ploughed straight back into community projects, including a new community centre, childcare facilities, a craft workshop, student bursary scheme and many other initiatives.
The latest instalment of the donation from the 2008 vintage - £159,448 - has funded a housing project, educational facilities - including a computer centre and a library -and will finance a much-needed local medical centre.
Made from 80% Shiraz and 20% Cinsault, the rosé is dry and lively, with notes of strawberry and cherry. Delicious served chilled with strawberries and fresh cream, or with a fruit tart, it’s also perfect as an apéritif.
The Co-operative Fairtrade Cape Sparkling Rosé 75cl will be in Co-operative stores throughout the UK from 9 September 2009. Usually priced at £7.99, the rosè will have an introductory price of £5.99 until 29 September 2009. During this time, The Co-operative’s entire market-leading range of Fairtrade wines will also be on offer with up to 20 per cent off as part of the retailer’s wider Fairtrade promotion.
For further details of The Co-operative’s Fairtrade range, customers can visit www.co-operative.coop/food/ethics For details of local Co-operative stores, customers can contact The Co-operative Customer Careline on (freephone) 0800 0686 727.