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 06 July 2008 14:35 BST

Fairtrade now recognised by 70% of population

Saturday, 10 May 2008 00:01
Fairtrade is more popular than ever

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The Fairtrade mark is now recognised by 70 per cent of the population, a huge leap from last year according to a survey.

Research from the Fairtrade Foundation, released on World Fair Trade Day, finds more UK consumers than ever before – 70 per cent of the population - recognise the Fairtrade mark, up from 57 per cent in 2007.

Understanding of the concept behind the mark has also jumped, with 64 per cent of the population linking the mark to a better deal for producers in the developing world.

And one in four shoppers now regularly buy products labelled Fairtrade, according to the research.

Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: "The challenge is now set for UK business to make more Fairtrade products available.

"There have been significant commercial developments in recent years - which have no doubt contributed to the visibility of the Fairtrade mark and therefore the awareness reflected in this research - but there is a long way to go, as producers in the developing world line up to be able to supply the UK Fairtrade market and UK consumers show their willingness to buy Fairtrade goods as they become available across sectors."

The survey reflects figures that show retail sales of Fairtrade products grew from £286 million in 2006 to £493 million in 2007, a 72 per cent increase.

Fairtrade bananas are the best-selling Fairtrade product with sales topping £150 million, an increase of 130 per cent and Fairtrade coffee sales rose 24 per cent to more than £117 million.

The concept of 'fair trade' has been around for 40 years, according to the foundation, but a formal labelling system to show the grower has been paid sustainable prices did not start until the 1980s.

Supermarkets Sainsbury's and Waitrose have both switched to selling only Fairtrade bananas, while Co-op has made several of its own-brand products Fairtrade.End of story


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