Fairtrade sales more than double to $36.6m

Fairtrade sales more than double to $36.6m as Kiwi shoppers give developing country farmers a fair go

New Zealand continues to be one of the world’s fastest growing markets for Fairtrade Certified products with sales increasing by more than 100% in just 12 months to $36.6 million in 2010, Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand (Fairtrade ANZ) announced today.

Fairtrade ANZ CEO Stephen Knapp said the outstanding sales growth was matched by a significant jump in New Zealand consumer awareness of the Fairtrade Label – rising from 41% in June 2009 to 51% in June 2010 (Colmar Brunton 2010).

“Across the country, more and more Kiwi shoppers and businesses are making the swap to Fairtrade Certified products in the knowledge that they are helping developing country farmers and workers build a better future for their families and communities.

“Fairtrade unlike any other third party certification system empowers these farmers and workers to take control over their lives, get a fairer deal and create opportunities for their communities. This means access to fair and stable prices and money to invest in everyday things for their communities such as building classrooms and clinics, employing a nurse or building a road to get their produce to market,” Mr Knapp said.

“Making the swap to Fairtrade became even easier for Kiwis in the last year with the number of New Zealand businesses licensed to use the Fairtrade Label on their products rising to more than 50 plus the range of Fairtrade Certified products available from major supermarkets and retailers continues to grow.
2010 saw a massive increase in sales of Fairtrade Certified chocolate due in part to the introduction of new Fairtrade Certified blocks from Cadbury and Whitaker’s, with sales soaring by 1625%.

Meanwhile coffee remains New Zealand’s biggest selling Fairtrade Certified product with sales increasing by $2 million in 2010 to $18 million.”
Mr Knapp said the substantial growth in sales of Fairtrade Certified products reflected the increasing importance New Zealand consumers placed on the ethical and sustainable sourcing of the products they consume and use every day.

“Kiwi shoppers recognise the real and positive difference Fairtrade makes in giving developing country farmers and workers a fair go and voting with their shopping dollar accordingly,” Mr Knapp said.

ENDS

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