Easy Bean, the innovative Somerset one-pot food company, today won the top award at the first regional Fairtrade Business Awards.
Sponsored by The Co-operative, the awards were presented by entrepreneur and chef Levi Roots at a ceremony at Bristol’s Colston Hall today.
Levi, best known for his Reggae Reggae sauce, has recently visited Fairtrade cocoa farmers in Ghana and is inspired by the difference Fairtrade makes to communities.
The ceremony was opened by Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson. Agueda Ordana, Fairtrade honey producer from Nicaragua, who is visiting Bristol for Fairtrade Fortnight in association with Bristol Link with Nicaragua, spoke at the ceremony about the importance of Fairtrade among farmers.
The awards aim to increase sales of, and support for, Fairtrade among businesses in the region, by promoting those businesses that support Fairtrade and encouraging others to do more. Increasing sales of Fairtrade products enables more small producers in the developing world to make a sustainable living.
46 businesses across the region achieved bronze, silver and gold awards in the following categories:
1. Best Fairtrade Office, sponsored by Burges Salmon
2. Best Fairtrade Retailer
3. Best Fairtrade Food Outlet
4. Best Fairtrade Accommodation
5. Best Fairtrade Suppliers
Best Fairtrade Business 2013, sponsored by Lyons Davidson.
A full list of winners will appear later.
Easy Bean is a small, innovative company based in Yeovil determined, it says, to give beans the culinary status they deserve.
Inspired by the bean and one-pot recipes from around the world, it has created a range of healthy and versatile recipes.
