BARRY Town Council’s Fairtrade committee took part in a nationwide Day of Action against Sainsbury’s decision to replace official Fair Trade products with their own brand.

After submitting a formal letter of complaint to the manager of the Park Crescent store, town councillors held a peaceful protest outside on Saturday, October 28.

Their protest consisted of banners with slogans - ‘Ditching Fairtrade is not my cup of tea’ - and ‘Troi cefn ar Fasnach Deg: Blas Cas yn Fy Nheg’ (Turning your back on Fair Trade leaves a sour taste in my mouth).

They were joined by members of Dinas Powys Fairtrade.

Barry Fairtrade Committee chairman, Cllr Ian Johnson, said: “Fair Trade is an internationally recognised movement that pays fair wages to farmers and others in developing countries for coffee, tea and other Fair Trade products. This means that farmers have the power to make their own decisions.

“Sainsbury’s decision to launch their own brand of supposedly Fair Trade products in which they control the market is the very opposite of the Fair Trade ethos. Like Fair Trade groups up and down the country, we call on them to reverse their decision and re-join the Fair Trade movement.”

Barry mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges, will hosting a Fairtrade Gold photographic exhibition at the Barry Town Council chamber, 7, Gladstone Road, Barry, from 6pm and 8pm on Thursday, November 2 with a Fair Trade wine reception and chocolate samples from Divine Chocolates.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.