Latest news

Fairtrade cocoa producer tours Devon during Fairtrade fortnight 2010

Fairtrade producer Nicholas Adjei-Gyan attended a staggering 36 events in Devon and beyond during Fairtrade fortnight. Nicholas is the Research and Development Manager with Fairtrade cooperative Kuapa Kokoo, a Ghanaian Fairtrade cocoa farmer’s co-operative that incorporates 45,000 farmers. The cooperative also now owns nearly half of the shares of Divine Chocolate Ltd.

Nicholas attended events at schools, universities, town halls, community centres, churches, libraries and cafes to talk about how Fairtrade has benefitted local communities in Ghana.

Nicholas was very enthusiastic about his visit to Devon:

"I was very impressed with how the entire programme was organised and how eager individuals and groups were to see me. It is encouraging to see how many people are willing to give their time and resources to make Fairtrade sales grow in both Devon & the UK."

Nicholas was very positive about the hospitality he received and particulalry with the quality of the food he was given (Fairtrade where possible of course!)

Nicholas was impressed with how the knowledge of Fairtrade has increased compared to 1999, his last visit to the UK, and the readiness of the media to assist in spreading the important messages on Fairtrade.

Nicholas identified talking to school children as a particular highlight of his visit. As well as answering their very thoughtful questions, he got them chanting a favourite greeting and response among cocoa farmers in Ghana. He said 'Kuapa Kokoo' ("Good Cocoa Farmers Company") and the children responded 'Pa Pa Paa!' (“the best of the best”).

Further information

For more about how the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative has benefitted farmers in Ghana watch an interview with Nicholas from the co-operative tv site

There are also two power point presentations to view. A presentation by Nicholas given to groups he visited during his stay and some images of the various groups and events Nicholas visited.