From Colombia to Maltby...

Coun Ken Wyatt, right, chairman of Rotherham Council's Fairtrade Group, with Colombian coffee grower Francisco Herrera, who travelled halfway around the world to see where his products are served – and ended up in a cafe in the former mining village of Maltby.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Feb 2010, 17:26 BST

Updated 25th Feb 2010, 15:25 BST

Mr Herrera, who runs a Fairtrade plantation in the South American country, was invited to Britain to help celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, which aims to raise awareness of ethical produce. Growers who operate under the Fairtrade system are paid higher prices for their coffee, and Mr Herrera sells some of his crop to Sheffield-based drinks supply company Cafeology.

Cafeology owner Brian Unkles invited Mr Herrera to South Yorkshire, and took him to the newly opened Maltby Leisure Centre, where the cafe serves his coffee in several different varieties.

With the help of a translator, the Colombian businessman asked customers what they thought of his products and also chatted to staff and councillors who support the Fairtrade scheme.

Coun Wyatt said Mr Herrera’s coffee was served in many council-owned buildings and added the authority was “delighted” to welcome him.

Picture: Chris Lawton.

Colombia Rotherham Council