Landmark year for Fairtrade in UK

Figures show increased public support

CONSUMER: The Fairtrade movement enjoyed a “landmark” year in 2019, with more support than ever from shoppers and increased sales of products, new figures show.

The Fairtrade Foundation said sales in the UK led to £33m going to farmers and workers to invest in projects aimed at boosting local economies.

THE FAIRTRADE movement enjoyed a “landmark” year in 2019, with more support than ever from shoppers and increased sales of products ranging from flowers to gold, new figures show.

The Fairtrade Foundation said strong sales in the UK led to more than £33m going to farmers and workers to invest in projects aimed at boosting local economies and improving community services. The foundation’s 2019 annual report said shoppers in the UK care more about Fairtrade than ever, with flower sales rising by 12 per cent, cocoa by 23 per cent, coffee by three per cent, wine by 10 per cent, and gold by 30 per cent.

Chief executive Mike Gidney said 2020 will be a challenging year because of the coronavirus crisis, but added that supermarket sales have held up, and many companies are giving extra money to the movement.

“In recent years – from Brexthe it to price crashes – we’ve been working hard to campaign for trade justice, and challenge businesses to do more for farmers and workers in their supply chains,” he said.

“But these figures show it’s not just us – the UK public want fairness in their supply chains as do many businesses who are doing right thing. The message is clear: Make fairness a part of the products we know and love.”

Mr Gidney added: “However, as the current Covid-19 crisis has shown, there is so much more to be done to tackle poverty and redress exploitation in trade and Fairtrade is more needed than ever.

“During this pandemic, business and shopper support has been critical as Fairtrade sales and investment have provided a lifeline to communities.”

The foundation marked its 25th anniversary in 2019, and has now generated almost £1bn for farmers and workers globally.

Mr Gidney said that the public awareness level of the movement in the UK had reached 90 per cent, with four out of five shoppers stating that they trusted its products, showing how 2019 was a landmark year for the foundation.

Fairtrade was established to set social, economic and environmental standards for companies, farmers and workers involved in food production.