Coffee at Eddie Rocket's is now more pleasurable for consumers who care about producers.
The chain, which sells 895,000 cups of coffee a year, has changed over completely to Fairtrade coffee. Fairtrade now accounts for more than 1 per cent of the Irish coffee market.
Mr Peter Gaynor, of Fairtrade Mark Ireland, said Fairtrade coffee accounted for 3 per cent of the catering market and was being sold in cafes and restaurants. He said the Fairtrade mark guaranteed that producers in the developing world received a fair price. It also ensured "safe, decent working conditions with respect for the local environment".
Mr David Begg, Concern's chief executive, said coffee prices have dropped dramatically as supply exceeds demand. In 1989, farmers were getting $1.26 per pound of green beans. Today, they get less than 65 cents. Fairtrade guaranteed the farmers were paid the 1989 price.
