Public still opt for Fairtrade despite recession

The public is still continuing to buy Fairtrade despite the economic slowdown, with more people than ever, 72%, now recognising the Fairtrade mark.

In a survey of 25,000 households, TNS market penetration figures found that consumers are spending more on Fairtrade products, as the average weight of purchase grew over the last year by 5.5% from £18.19 to £19.171. In addition, 95% of people say they would strongly recommend or talk positively about Fairtrade.

Todd Stitzer, chief executive of Cadbury, which recently converted Cadbury Dairy Milk to Fairtrade, said: "We came to Fairtrade because of the value it can bring to our supply chain and because of our values. Quality cocoa for us, and a better quality of life for thousands of farmers, empowered through Fairtrade to reinvest in their own farms and communities.

"And of course this is all at a scale previously unseen. Together we will quadruple the amount of Fairtrade cocoa coming out of Ghana from 5,000 to 20,000 tonnes in 2010."

The theme for Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 (22 February – 7 March), The Big Swap, will also be unveiled to conference delegates, who will be urged to take part in the Fairtrade Foundation's annual campaign.

Today, there are over 4,500 Fairtrade certified products, 450 Fairtrade Towns, more than 3,000 registered Fairtrade Schools, 100 Fairtrade Universities and Colleges, and over 5,000 Fairtrade faith groups.

Words: Maria Bracken

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