UK opportunities as Fairtrade flourishes

A growing demand for Fairtrade products has seen a sales boom for the UK’s ethical sub-sector.

Recent research shows demand for Fairtrade products has increased in the UK. £493 million was spent on these ethically traded goods in 2007, a 72 per cent on the £286 million spent in 2006.

The survey of UK adults carried out for the Fairtrade Foundation discovered that 70 per cent of the population recognise the Fairtrade mark - an increase on the 57 per cent reported in 2007.

It was also found that consumers are more aware of the principles behind the Fairtrade concept, with 64 per cent of respondents understanding that the products aim to create a better deal for producers in the developing world.

The food industry may now see a switch towards more ethically-sourced ingredients as the UK’s ethical conscience endures.

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Foundation, commented: "More and more UK shoppers see Fairtrade as a simple, highly effective way to enable producers in the developing world to work their way out of poverty with dignity, receiving a decent return for their great produce and hard work.”

Ms Lamb also said that UK business should build on this and offer more Fairtrade products to customers, in addition to the commonly recognised examples of coffee, bananas and chocolate.

The Fairtrade Foundation is a non-profit organisation which aims to promote the use of Fairtrade products in the UK. It works with international groups such as Oxfam, Traidcraft and the World Development Movement.