Sales of Fairtrade products in the UK topped £1.5 billion last year, up 19 per cent on a year previously, it has been announced today.
As Fairtrade Fortnight begins today, which aims to encourage the Government, public and businesses to make trade work better for farmers and workers across the world, the Fairtrade Foundation has announced soaring sales of such products amid economic gloom.
Despite ongoing consumer caution around disposable incomes and reduced personal finances, the Fairtrade Foundation has also today published a new three-year strategy which expects the market to grow beyond £2 billion by 2015.
Last year, sales of Fairtrade cocoa, sugar and bananas increased 21 per cent, 35 per cent and 15 per cent respectively while sales of coffee, tea and cotton remained steady, highlighting “a significant increase in Fairtrade Premiums in 2012”.
Chocolate brand Maltesers made a high profile switch to Fairtrade last year while the roll-out of Green & Black‘s full chocolate bar range also helped boost overall cocoa sales, while the growth in sugar sales was aided by grocer Morrisons‘ switch to Fairtrade sugar from Tate & Lyle.
Over the course of 2010-11, Fairtrade producers globally received a total of around £53 million as additional Fairtrade Premium, though the foundation believes more can be done to further boost sales.
Fairtrade Foundation CEO Michael Gidney explained the importance of increasing the use of Fairtrade products, commenting: “Together – producers, businesses and the UK public – we hold incredible power to deliver even greater impact and wider change.
“Let‘s use it. Let‘s unlock that power and change trade for good.”
