UK shoppers “care more than ever” about the sustainability of the products they buy, according to the Fairtrade Foundation, which yesterday released figures showing its farmers in the ‘Global South’ last year reaped a $41m boost for their local communities from products purchased by UK citizens. Strong UK sales performance across various Fairtrade products in 2019 led to a $41m premium going directly to Fairtrade farmers and workers to support investment in farmer and worker-led projects that bolster local economies, combat climate impacts, and improve community services in developing countries, the group said.
The Fairtrade Foundation aims to ensure farmers in developing countries are fairly paid for their work, in addition to delivering specialist programmes to help disadvantaged communities boost productivity in the face of challenges such as climate change. Yesterday’s 2019 annual report reveals sales of flowers carrying the Fairtrade label grew by 12 per cent in the UK last year, while Fairtrade cocoa sales ticked up by 23 per cent, coffee sales grew three per cent, and wine rose 10 per cent, all helping to further support farmers in developing economies. Sales of Fairtrade gold also rose by as much as 30 per cent.
Michael Gidney, chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, said the organisation would continue to campaign for trade justice and to “challenge businesses to do more for farmers and workers in their supply chains”. “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 the right thing,” he said. “The message is clear. Make fairness a part of the products we know and love.”
Source: Business Green
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