A Ten Year Success For Fairtrade Labelling (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

A Ten Year Success For Fairtrade Labelling

March 8, 2004 5:14 PM

Chris Huhne MEP for Hampshire calls on consumers to back a winner with the Fairtrade campaign. In the second week of 'Fairtrade Fortnight', Chris Huhne today said "fairtrade is booming".

In 1994 the retail value of Fairtrade products was £2.75 million, by last year this had increased thirty fold to total £92 million. Current sales are estimated to be running at more than £100 million.

"The rise in sales has been astounding, doubling between 2001-2002, and increasing by a further 46% last year. This is great news for those of us who have long supported the campaign for better prices for producers, and better pay and conditions for workers in the developing world" said Mr Huhne

Celebrating its 10th birthday this year the FAIRTRADE Mark has organised a multitude of events across the UK in a 'Fairtrade Fortnight', to highlight the inequality of international trade, and to promote the fundamental issues behind the FAIRTRADE Mark to the everyday shopper.

Chris Huhne joined the call on consumers to buy Fairtrade goods whenever possible.

"When buying a Fairtrade product, not only are you assured of a quality purchase but you are contributing to a quality life for producers and workers.

"Consumers are a powerful group - the leading force over big business. If enough of us divert our spending to Fairtrade goods, our message will be well and truly received and understood".

Large high street chains, such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee have already responded to this growing demand, by giving their customers the choice of Fairtrade coffee in their cafés.

"Customers now want guarantees that their shopping has not been at the cost of exploitation - put quite simply we want a fair deal", said Chris Huhne.

A MORI poll in May last year showed that 25% of people in the UK now recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark and over a third understand its true meaning. According to their website, Fairtrade ground coffee now has more than 14% of the UK ground coffee market, and highlights the astounding success of the campaign for Fairtrade.

"After ten years this success will show large international companies that Fairtrade is not a fad or a phase - but that it is here to stay, and I am sure that we will continue to see this campaign go from strength to strength over the next ten years". said Mr Huhne.

Ends.

Notes to editors:-

Details of the MORI poll and Fairtrade sales figures (in addition to the outline of Fairtrade Fortnight) can be found on the Fair trade website: www.fairtrade.org.uk