Sweet things hit the spot in Renfrewshire Fairtrade Bake Off

people take part in the Bake Off and get to know that Fairtrade ingredients are available right on their doorstep. Even changing one product we buy to a Fairtrade product can make a huge difference to the lives of farmers in poorer areas of the world.

“I would like to thank Ismael for coming all the way from Guatemala to share his life story with us, showing us firsthand how Fairtrade is making a difference to his community.

“Meeting someone like Ismael who is making cooperation work is a great way to spread the real message of Fairtrade that everyone benefits when we treat each other fairly and cooperate across the world.

“Fairtrade helps farmers by giving them a fairer deal. Farmers are then able to give their children an education, use better crop growing techniques and help their communities to grow and prosper.”

Helen McLaughlin said: “I was really surprised but pleased to win the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Bake Off. There was a wide variety of entries in the competition, so I wasn’t sure how my cake was going to do.

“I took part in the Bake Off to show my support for Fairtrade, but it was also a lot of fun as well.”

Hundreds were sweet for the Fairtrade Bake Off as they packed into Paisley Town Hall to watch Helen McLaughlin, from Paisley crowned the competition winner.

The winning cake, a peanut butter cake, was made using Fair Trade peanut butter, bananas, caster sugar and dark, white and milk chocolate.

Judging the Bake Off was Guatemalan Fairtrade coffee and honey farmer Ismael Diaz Rivas, Councillor Jim Sharkey, Chair of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Board and Ken Clark, Owner of Redss.

The winning criteria was based on creativity, appearance, taste and the number of Fairtrade ingredients used in the bake.

At the Bake Off, Councillor Sharkey said: “It is great to see so many

l-r Ken Clark, Owner of Redss, Helen McLaughlin, Bake Off winner, Councillor Jim Sharkey, Chair of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group and Ismael Diaz Rivas, Guatemalan Fairtrade farmer.