VI - Why Fairtrade Vending?

FV - I looked into the need for fair trade. We’ve all seen news footage and stories about poverty around the world and this was a good enough reason. The passion for Fairtrade grew from then, and we’ve taken Fairtrade into an industry which reaches the widest possible audience - the workplace.

VI - What is the consumer’s response to a solely dedicated company to Fairtrade?

FV - For those with an equal passion for Fairtrade it is proving the ideal solution. For many companies it is usually individuals within their organizations that push for Fairtrade, but more interest is being shown with substainabilty and environmental issues now playing an important role, and our dedicated website combined with our branding make a very strong statement.

VI - Did you have any difficulties in sourcing ingredients?

FV - None at all: we work very closely with a licenced Fairtrade producer for all our beverage requirements and several suppliers for Fairtrade products.

VI - What was the Machine Manufacturers’ reaction?

FV - Obviously they are pleased to sell their machines with any branding on but we have two manufacturers who we have worked with to produce a portfolio of machines to cater for every requirement.

VI - Did you have to obtain any special concessions?

FV - Yes we registered with the Fairtrade foundation and submitted all our graphics for their approval before we could launch the machines.

VI - Are you able to keep your costs competitive?

FV - Fairtrade ingredients are more expensive but we have tried to offer prices that are more cost effective than the leading brands. We have achieved this by working on tighter margins.

VI - Do you work in the normal way on sales/service?

FV - Although we have invested considerable monies in marketing, advertising, mail shots etc, most of our sales come from our website, or by word of mouth. We provide a nationwide sales and maintenance support service, and we have started to sell Fairtrade Vending as a franchise.

VI - What are Fairtrade Vending’s long term plans?

FV - We intend to expand our market further into education, the NHS, workplace and, hopefully, many local and central government offices across the country. We are looking at a range of new vending machines particularly for universities and colleges which we hope will prove a very cost effective way to further promote Fairtrade. Our aim is to make Fairtrade Vending a leading provider in the vending industry offering high quality 100% certified Fairtrade ingredients coupled with stylish, reliable machines that promote Fairtrade.

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