by Andrew Williams |
March 02, 2015
|
Here we are half way through Fairtrade Fortnight - hopefully you have seen an increased profile for fair trade produce in your local shops. It would be wrong to see fair trade as a niche which could only exist for a couple of weeks, but events like Fairtrade Fortnight can play a vital role in raising awareness and keeping the issues at the forefront of consumers' minds.
Here in Hay on Wye we are delighted to welcome a fascinating event this evening (Monday 2nd March) featuring a sugar farmer with hands on experience of the difference that fair trade can make. Allan Saidi is visiting from Malawi as part of Fairtrade Fortnight to give his insight as part of his role as secretary of the Fairtrade Premium Committee in his home country. It promises to be an inspiring talk with an opportunity to ask searching questions about the impact of fair trade.
Also speaking will be local journalist and friend of Eighteen Rabbit, Oliver Balch. Ollie has recently returned from a trip to Nicaragua where he visited coffee plantations and saw first hand the work being done to make the coffee industry more equitable for its workers.
There will also be a screening of the film "Fairtrade Matters" about tea farmers in Malawi. You can watch the film online here.
If you're in Hay on Wye the event takes place tonight at Tomatitos Tapas Bar from 7pm, and best of all it is free!
Tagged:
eighteen rabbit,
fairtrade fortnight,
hay on wye,
malawi,
nicaragua
by Andrew Williams |
February 14, 2015
|
Well, we have now just about recovered from our epic trip to Mexico. I cannot hand-on-heart claim that it was all work, but we did meet some incredible new suppliers as well as catching up with some of our existing far trade cooperatives. While we were in the USA we also took the opportunity to meet up with Mata Traders, who produce some of the amazing dresses we stock. They were exhibiting at the Atlanta Gift Show, and while we were there we also met another great new supplier called Refugee Beads - look out for their lovely jewellery coming soon!
Mexico was the main event however. We now have new (but limited) stock of some truly beautiful new pieces:
- Tin mirrors, beaten by hand - all slightly different. These now come in a lovely presentation pack, and are still just £5.
- Wooden "alebrije" figures, hand carved and painted. These are already going quickly!
- Tortilla warmers! perfect for the chef who has everything, or any aspiring Mexican cook.
- An incredible new selection of rugs from Oaxaca, woven on wooden looms using 100% wool and natural plant and mineral dyes. Obviously only one each of these.
We spent the last three days of our trip in Mexico City, and were lucky enough to meet some more incredible new suppliers. We will be adding new stock from all of our talented producers during the year so stay tuned!
Tagged:
alebrije,
eighteen rabbit,
fair trade,
Mexico,
rugs,
tin,
tortilla warmer
by Andrew Williams |
December 24, 2014
|
We have had a really busy Christmas here at Eighteen Rabbit, so much so we haven't even had a chance to blog about it until now. We were delighted to find ourselves in the Guardian and Observer Christmas Gift Guides, had a great feature in Oh Comely magazine, and also had lots of lovely visitors to the shop here in Hay on Wye.
We would like to wish you all a happy Christmas, and a peaceful new year. We are looking forward to 2015, and hope it will bring even bigger and better things for us in the shop and online.
In January we will be visiting some lovely suppliers in the USA and Mexico, and are aiming to come back fully stocked with new and unique fair trade gifts. Thank you for your custom and support during the past year, and we hope you will continue to follow us in the new year!
All the very best to you and yours,
Andrew & Louise.
Tagged:
2015,
Christmas,
eighteen rabbit,
New Year
by Andrew Williams |
November 24, 2014
|
We were really pleased to feature in this year's prestigious Observer Magazine Christmas Gift Guide. Basically, if it isn't in this gift guide it is probably not worth buying so it was a real boost to be included! And it was great to be able to fly the flag for fair trade in the national press.
We have already had a fantastic reaction to some of the products featured. In case you missed it, here's a rundown...
Rowling the Fox was the star of the show, and though our fabulous furry friend sold out pretty much straight away we now have very limited stock back in. Don't miss out!
Our stylish Piet Hein Eek vase range is a fantastic gift for a loved one or yourself. We have four in stock at the moment - the tall design in Cranes, Bamboo, or Blue, and the shorter design in Red. Again, these will not last long.
Finally, after our recent break in, we have been so proud of all of our suppliers who have rallied round to get us stock back on the shelves. A special mention must go to Craftworks Cambodia who turned round our order in record time, getting it to us from Pnomh Penh in under a week. We now have loads more stock of their range, including the very popular recycled tyre wallets, back in the shop.
Tagged:
Christmas,
eighteen rabbit,
Fox,
Piet Hein Eek,
recycled tyre
by Andrew Williams |
November 17, 2014
|
We love our selection of Zotter chocolate, which is fair trade and made from organic ingredients. The Zotter factory in Austria is legendary among chocolate enthusiasts who rave about the insane range of flavour combinations which are the trademark of the Zotter brand. We have had some amazing ones, though we haven't quite gone as far as their Dark Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut Nougat and Bacon Crackling!
We do have some great new flavours in for Christmas though, and a a public service to all of you I have tested some of them...
The stand out for me is the Tequila, Salt and Lemon bar. Hand scooped, this is a real taste of Mexico in a bar, and as we're all aware the Mexicans knew a thing or two about chocolate. It may sound overthe top but is actually surprisingly subtle and has been going down a storm in the shop.
Mulled Wine and Christmas Magic feature the more traditional flavours of Christmas, the latter is a white chocolate bar with honey caramel crunch.
All of the range are perfect as stocking fillers and are sure to get a great reaction in the run up to Christmas. We love them all year round but at this time of year a really special chocolate is just what you need!
Tagged:
Christmas,
eighteen rabbit,
tequila,
zotter
