Aussie Spike in Fairtrade sales
3 May 2013 at 4:19 pm
Australians are rewarding ethical companies as new figures revealing sales of fairtrade products over $191million in one year.
Consumers spent more than $191 million on Fairtrade Certified products in 2012, with lovers of chocolate and coffee leading the way, according to Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand.
“On average, Fairtrade’s annual growth over the past five years has been above 50 per cent,” Fairtrade ANZ Operations Manager Craig Chester said.
“This growth means Fairtrade is reaching the kind of scale which can challenge corporate thinking and eventually change the structure of trade. There is a long way still to go, but we are making progress.
“Our research indicates that when purchasing everyday products like cocoa and coffee, consumers are opting for Fairtrade to reward companies who ensure the world's poorest farmers get a decent price for their products."
“Fairtrade is the only ethical certification that ensures farmers receive a fair plus additional investment toward community improvements such as schools, hospitals and farming practices.”
“By making a conscious effort to ask for a Fairtrade coffee or buy a chocolate displaying the FAIRTRADE Mark consumers can help farmers in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Timor, Ghana and Costa Rica get a fair deal.”
In 2012, consumers bought more than 42 million Fairtrade products comprising primarily of chocolate (62%), coffee (31%), tea (6%) and cotton and sports products (1%).
Fairtrade research also showed:
• The total market for sustainable products and services has almost doubled in the last four years, and despite rising living costs and signs of a declining appetite from the Australian community for a price on carbon, more Australians are continuing to embrace ‘eco’ options.
• On average there are more than 15 new businesses entering the Fairtrade system in Australia each year
• Coles now range over 40 Fairtrade Certified products.
• Woolworths have launched Whittaker’s Creamy Milk Fairtrade Certified Chocolate nationally.
• Eight in 10 people want 3rd Party Verification of the claims made by companies.
• Premium Brands such as Alter Eco, Chocolatier, Toby’s Estate, Belaroma and mainstream brands Cadbury, Starbucks, Nerada and Grinders offer Fairtrade Certified products.
• Fairtrade is the #1 of over 50 ethical, social, environmental and industry trust mark programs for various consumer product categories in Australia.
