OUR SPECIALTY:

Over 300 types of Fair Trade products, including foodstuffs like organic coffee, tea and chocolate powder, and hand-made products such as notebooks, bags and greeting cards.

THE INNOVATION:

Fair Circle provides Fair Trade products as an alternative and responsible choice of consumerism for consumers through their brick-and-mortar shop in Kowloon in Hong Kong, their online shop, consignments and other promotional outlets.

Through their parent company, the Hong Kong Fair Trade Power (HKFTP), the social enterprise assists producers in rural China to set up production systems of internationally recognized Fair Trade standards. After which, they export and market their products in the cities of Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This way labour and farmers are protected from greedy middlemen in transactions and are ensured fair rewards and a sustainable means of livelihood. Also, by organising and conducting talks and public education, they hope to raise awareness of the concept of Fair Trade and encourage responsible consumerism.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Fair Circle is the product arm of HKFTP, which was set up in December 2005 to promote Fair Trade as a form of responsible consumerism to consumers through use of their products and educational programmes. The HKFTP works with farm co-operatives in the provinces of Shanxi and Guizhou as well as organic farms in Vietnam and India to set and maintain internationally recognised Fair Trade standards.

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Fine French and Italian fare with elaborate dishes such as Roasted Beef Rib in Strawberry & Papaya Sauce served with baked sweet potato and grilled white eggplant, zucchini and cherry tomato, and La vie en Rose, a warm chocolate lava cake with dragonfruit and strawberry served on the side.

THE INNOVATION:

Gingko House is a restaurant that exists with the mission to offer employment opportunities for the elderly, whom with their rich life experience and patience, have the potential to offer an unique dining experience – one that encourages slow dining and relationships between the server and the customers.

Many senior citizens, especially upon retirement, face the issue of boredom and a sudden lack of a sense of purpose in their lives. A significant number of them are professionals who have held mid-level management jobs and who are uncomfortable with living off welfare or simply being idle, especially in their golden years. Others may be financially strapped and in need of a less physically burdensome job. Hence, Gingko House – a win-win solution – is set up specifically to address these issues by employing the senior citizens and at the same time, provide an unique dining experience for the diners.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Gingko House was set up by former social workers Roger Li and Elite Kwok, who saw a lack in quality care for the elderly in 1998. The funding for Gingko House comes from its parent company, Everbright Groups Limited, an enterprise which provides social services for the elderly including a home and a rehabilitation centre. Since Gingko House was set up in 2006, it has bagged several awards such as the Brand with a Conscience Grand Award 2008, the 2008 Hong Kong Awards for Industries and The HSBC Living Business Award 2007 (Diamond Award winner). Gingko House is also in the midst of launching their third restaurant in Mongkok that will serve Chinese food instead of the typical Western fare.

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