Camborne renews Fairtrade status, and the banana suit stays on

Anyone who has spotted a man in a bright yellow banana costume working the crowd at a Camborne event over the past decade will not be surprised by the town’s latest bit of good news.

A status held since 2010

Camborne has again been officially accredited as a Fairtrade town. The recognition, first achieved back in 2010, has now been renewed for a further three years, a sign of the town’s long-running commitment to ethical shopping.

The man in the banana suit

Much of the credit goes to Brian Terry, the town’s long-serving Fairtrade ambassador. The former teacher has spent years making sure Camborne goes beyond the minimum required for its Fairtrade accreditation, and is a familiar sight at local events dressed as a banana to spread the message.

“Fairtrade is making a positive difference worldwide by helping to ensure farmers and workers are rewarded fairly for what they produce,” Brian said.

“As consumers, we’ve all got a role to play in making ethical and environmentally responsible buying decisions and I’m so proud of Camborne for all that it’s doing to promote such a worthy cause.”

📷Credit: Brian Terry

Businesses playing their part

Camborne’s Fairtrade status is not down to one man alone. Plenty of businesses in the town support the campaign by stocking ethically-sourced products, among them high street shops, cafes, boutiques and hotels.

“I heartily congratulate Brian and all the businesses, schools and organisations involved in securing this three-year Fairtrade re-accreditation,” said Anna Pascoe, Camborne’s Business Improvement Development Manager.

“Fairtrade sets standards that protect farmers and workers everywhere by ensuring fair prices, safe working conditions and sustainability. That’s something we should all be supporting and I’m so proud that Camborne has been a leading light in the movement.”

A stall at Green Fest

Brian will be flying the flag again in person next month, running a Fairtrade stall at Camborne Town Council’s Green Fest on 12 September, from 11am to 5pm at Camborne Recreation Ground. Whether the banana costume makes another appearance remains to be seen.

📷Credit: Brian Terry