Over 90% of Kiwi shoppers want fair deal for foreign farmers

11 October 2011

More than 90% of Kiwi shoppers want a fair deal for farmers and workers in developing countries: global poll

New Zealand shoppers are in tune with consumers around the world who believe their shopping choices can make a positive difference for farmers and workers in developing countries, according to a new global survey of 17,000 consumers in 24 countries conducted for Fairtrade International (FLO) by international research consultancy GlobeScan.

When it comes to making a decision in the shopping aisle, Fairtrade is the most widely recognised ethical label globally and New Zealand is in line with the global average for recognition - with nearly six in ten consumers (57%) being familiar with the FAIRTRADE Label.

More than half of Kiwi consumers surveyed (51%) say they trust the Fairtrade brand and the more familiar people are with the Fairtrade Label, the more they trust it. More than three quarters (76%) of consumers who recognise the FAIRTRADE Label regard it as a trusted label.

The poll shows that a large percentage of New Zealanders have high expectations of companies dealing with farmers and workers in poor countries with 91 per cent believing companies should pay farmers and workers fairly – compared to the global average of 85 per cent. The same number (91%) agrees that the use of harmful chemicals should be avoided and 92 per cent are concerned with product safety.

More than half of New Zealand consumers (54%) feel empowered to make a difference through their shopping choices and 79 per cent have high expectations of companies with regard to the important role they have in reducing poverty through the way they do business.

NZ shoppers recognise the role Fairtrade plays in enabling them to make a difference with 53 per cent of those familiar with it saying that the FAIRTRADE Label makes it easier for them to decide if products are ethically produced. More generally, and in line with the global trend, the study confirmed that 76 per cent of Kiwi consumers believe independent, third-party certification is the best way to verify a product’s social and environmental claims.

Results show 61 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed believe Fairtrade helps farmers and workers in developing countries escape poverty and receive a fair price.

Fairtrade ANZ CEO Stephen Knapp said the survey showed Kiwi consumers, just like the majority of their global counterparts, really do care about where the products they buy every day come from and that the farmers and workers at the end of the supply chain are getting a fair deal for their hard work.

“Kiwi shoppers know that by choosing a product with the FAIRTRADE Label, they are directly helping to create a fairer world for all and are increasingly expecting companies to provide them more opportunities to make the fair and ethical choice at the checkout”.

New Zealand consumers, along with their global counterparts, are backing their beliefs with concrete action. Globally, shoppers spent €4.36 billion on Fairtrade products in 2010 - an increase of 28 percent while New Zealand and Australian consumers combined tripled their Fairtrade purchases by more than 200 per cent to over AU$120 million.

About the Survey:
The study was based on a quantitative survey delivered to a random sample of more than 17,000 adult consumers using available online panels in each country. The survey countries included: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Fieldwork was conducted between 23 February 2011 and 24 June 2011. The total number of interviews per country ranged from 500 to 1,500.

About Fairtrade International (FLO) & Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand:
Fairtrade is an independent, third-party product certification with a people first approach to trade. Fairtrade works with small-scale farmers to provide long-term security through agreed fair and stable prices, as well as additional income through the Fairtrade Premium which allows them to invest in their business and communities. These mechanisms are unique to Fairtrade Certification. Over 6 million people (farmers, workers and their family members) in 60 countries directly benefit from the international Fairtrade system. National Fairtrade organisations, including Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand, promote Fairtrade to consumers in 25 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia/New Zealand. For more information see www.fairtradenet and www.fairtradecom.au

About GlobeScan:
GlobeScan is an international opinion research consultancy. Companies, multilateral institutions, governments, and NGOs trust GlobeScan for its unique expertise in reputation research, sustainability, and issues management. GlobeScan provides global organizations with evidence-based insight and advice to help them build strong brands, manage relations with key stakeholders, and define their strategic positioning. GlobeScan conducts research in over 90 countries, is certified to the ISO 9001:2008 standard for its quality management system, and is a signatory to the UN Global Compact. Established in 1987, GlobeScan is an independent, management-owned company with offices in London, Toronto, and San Francisco. www.GlobeScancom

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