Fairtrade

Citation

(2008), "Fairtrade", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 38 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2008.01738dab.002

Fairtrade

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 38, Issue 4.

UK estimated retail sales of fairtrade products reach half a billion pounds as Fairtrade Foundation calls on business and the public to step up pace of change.

Sales of fairtrade products in 2007 announced to coincide with the beginning of fairtrade fortnight (25 February to 9 March 2008) set a new pace for international trade. As events to kickstart the two-week annual campaign entitled Change Today. Choose fairtrade take place across the UK today, the Fairtrade Foundation reveals an increase of estimated retail sales of fairtrade products with a staggering of 81 per cent increase on 2006 sales.

Sales have been increasing by over 40 per cent year-on-year since 2002.

1. 1.

   Fairtrade bananas are the best selling fairtrade product.

2. 2.

   Fairtrade coffee sales rose 24 per cent.

3. 3.

   Fairtrade tea rose 24 per cent.

Since 2005, the number of African producer organisations selling to the UK market has almost doubled from 81 to 152, each organisation often representing thousands of farmers and workers. However, farmers' networks are keen for the fairtrade model to be significantly expanded in their countries, a challenge that the Foundation and its international partners are determined to rise to.

The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent certification body that awards the fairtrade mark to products which meet international fairtrade standards set by fairtrade labelling organisations international (FLO). Currently, FLO spans almost 80 countries, working with 632 producer partners from 58 countries and across 21 fairtrade markets in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Japan. Seven million people – farmers, workers and their families – benefit from the international fairtrade system and FLO aims to continually increase the number of producer groups registered to supply the international fairtrade market. The UK has the most dynamic fairtrade market in the world – here you can find the widest range of products, the most diverse range of companies involved and the most active grassroots campaigning network.

The full range of more than 3,000 fairtrade certified products now includes coffee, tea, herbal teas, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, grapes, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, apples, pears, plums, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, satsumas, clementines, mandarins, lychees, coconuts, dried fruit, juices, smoothies, biscuits, cakes and snacks, honey, jams and preserves, chutney and sauces, rice, quinoa, herbs and spices, seeds, nuts and nut oil, wines, beers, rum, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars, yoghurt and ice cream.