We’re delighted to welcome Aileen Burmeister back as Head of Fair Trade Wales!

After two years on secondment with the Welsh Government’s Fair Work division, Aileen has returned to lead our mission of creating a fairer, more sustainable world through trade justice. Since returning, she’s wasted no time getting back into the Fairtrade community – already attending several events to reconnect with groups and partners across Wales.

Most recently, Aileen spoke at the Vale Fairtrade Breakfast on October 10th at the Craft Republic in Barry, an event dedicated to raising the profile of Fair Trade across the Vale of Glamorgan.

Hosted by local Fairtrade groups and opened by Jane Hutt MS, the breakfast celebrated local achievements while encouraging collaboration to shape the future of Fair Trade in the region. Guests enjoyed lots of Fair Trade goods provided by local groups in the Vale – including locally grown stewed apples, muesli from We Are Fair Trade, M&S Fairtrade jams, and bananas from local supermarkets.

Community members, councillors and school pupils from Barry, Dinas Powys, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan and Penarth attended the event. As well as local food providers, The Big Fresh Catering Company, who discussed their sustainability efforts – including working with local producers, using Fairtrade products and their efforts towards deforestation.

Many ideas were shared on how to make Fair Trade a part of the Vale’s identity – from linking Fair Trade with Food Vale’s new strategy, to exploring the potential for a Fair Trade app featuring producer stories and local stockists.

Speaking at the event, Aileen discussed the importance of Fair Trade as a trusted system that protects producers and the planet, and how local action contributes to Wales’ national Fair Trade Nation status.

Reflecting on her return, Aileen shared:

“It’s great to be back with Fair Trade Wales, and reconnecting with community groups, global Fair Trade partners, and the famous Fairtrade banana suit.

I had a great experience with the Fair Work division in the Welsh Government, and learnt so much about public procurement and wider issues throughout supply chains. I’m looking forward to bringing that knowledge back to Fair Trade Wales to continue our vision of an equal world, trading fairly.”

Welcome back, Aileen – it’s great to have you back!