Drag royalty Tia Kofi, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. The World hosted a glamorous High Chai Tea party at Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Bazaar for Fairtrade Fortnight. Joined by a constellation of celebrity guests, the party set out to “spill the tea” on the systemic inequalities in the tea industry and spotlight the transformative power of Fairtrade sourcing. It more than delivered, serving up an unforgettable afternoon of glamour, activism and storytelling.
The gathering featured live video calls with Indian tea farmers, giving guests a rare and intimate window into people’s lives behind the leaves. Soul diva Mica Paris performed tracks from her latest album and shared her journey to Chamraj tea estate in Southern India where she connected with Fairtrade producers, witnessed their daily realities, and performed for local communities.
Taking place during the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight – already marked by hundreds of Fairtrade tea parties organised in communities across the UK – the party shone a light on the people behind Britain’s beloved brew: tea producers, who rarely see a fair share of the profits. Tia Kofi, who helped launch the Brew it Fair campaign earlier this year, has been rallying fans on social media to support Fairtrade tea and demand a fairer, more transparent industry.
Tia Kofi said: “The tea you drink every day can literally change lives. Tea is the nation’s favourite drink which means a whole lot of sipping and slurping. But behind every tea bag are people growing and picking those leaves. In Kenya over 70% of tea workers say their biggest challenge is low pay. And in Assam India, the minimum wage is just £2.50 a day. But when you choose Fairtrade, you choose power, you choose community and you choose real change.”
“It’s not just tea, it’s a powerful vote for dignity, sustainability, and fairness in every sip,” said Mica Paris. “Meeting Fairtrade farmers in India was unforgettable.”
Clipper Teas, the world’s biggest brand of Fairtrade tea, partnered for the event, offering guests a chance to savour different Fairtrade teas.
“Having Fairtrade ranges is important to Clipper, over the last 30 years, tea producers have earned an estimated £6.8 million in Fairtrade Premium from our Fairtrade sourcing which has gone towards things like beds and income diversification for the people who grow our tea. These things are vital for those communities.” Caroline Rose, Clipper Teas Brand Controller.
While Fairtrade has brought real transformation over the past 30 years, the sad reality is that most tea in the UK is not sold on Fairtrade terms. Brew It Fair urges everyone to make every cup count by buying Fairtrade and signing Fairtrade’s petition pushing for a fairer tea industry. Supporters can still sign the Brew It Fair petition and urge MPs to back fairer laws for tea workers.
