Retail sales of Fairtrade products rose 19% in the UK in 2012 to reach £1.57 billion according to figures released by the Fairtrade Foundation.As Fairtrade Fortnight launches this week, the foundation has revealed that sales of Fairtrade products have soared over the past year as public support and business interest in Fairtrade increases.
Retail sales of Fairtrade products rose 19% in the UK in 2012 to reach £1.57 billion according to figures released by the Fairtrade Foundation.As Fairtrade Fortnight launches this week, the foundation has revealed that sales of Fairtrade products have soared over the past year as public support and business interest in Fairtrade increases.
Cocoa, sugar and bananas all saw significant growth in 2012 with sales rising by 21%, 35% and 15% respectively. Sales of Fairtrade wine, herbs and spices also increased. Products maintaining steady sales included coffee, tea and cotton which led to a significant increase in Fairtrade Premiums, the extra that producers receive for business or social development.
Products making a switch to Fairtrade in 2012 included chocolate Maltesers while the roll-out of the full range of Green & Black’s bars helped to increase sales of Fairtrade cocoa and sugar. Growth in sugar sales was further boosted by Morrison’s converting its own label range to Tate &Lyle Fairtrade sugar and Ben & Jerry’s conversion of its full range of ice cream to Fairtrade. Growth in sales of bananas was largely driven by the Co-operative’s decision to switch all of its bananas to Fairtrade.
The Fairtrade Foundation’s chief executive Michael Gidney said: “Fairtrade sales continue to confound expectation in the midst of the current tough economic climate. The UK public have developed a lasting appetite for food and goods traded on fairer terms with producers, and forward thinking businesses are responding energetically to this by providing a wider range of products.”
Source: HortiBiz – UK Sales of Fairtrade Products Rise 19% in 2012
