25-02-2008
Fairtrade Foundation highlights sales increase
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
The Fairtrade Foundation has reported a significant increase in the sale of Fairtrade-branded produce.
According to data released by the organisation, over the course of 2007, sales of Fairtrade produce increased by 81 per cent, which, in monetary terms, represents a total of £493 million. Sales of Fairtrade coffee are now worth more than £117 million, after increases of 24 per cent.
"After years of chipping away, Fairtrade is finally beginning to make some significant impression on the way we trade," said Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation.
While sales in Fairtrade cotton increased by the largest amount - an increase of 660 per cent, worth £35 million - bananas remain the best-selling Fairtrade product, with sales worth £150 million.
Although worldwide Fairtrade certification is overseen by FLO International, in the UK certification is administered by the Fairtrade Foundation.