Kiwis out in force to promote Fairtrade

Kiwis out in force to promote Fairtrade as sales soar

Kiwis are showing their support for Fairtrade as product sales continue to skyrocket and the number of people taking part in Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break this Fairtrade Fortnight (2-17 May) doubles to almost 15,000.

More than 600 Coffee Breaks are taking place in workplaces, homes or schools around the country. Coffee Break hosts will be introducing people to Fairtrade with delicious Fairtrade Atomic coffee or Trade Aid hot chocolate. In doing so, they will be spreading the word about the benefits of Fairtrade, helping coffee and cocoa farmers work their way out of poverty, and supporting Oxfam™s work towards a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.

In the past year, soaring food prices, fuel price hikes and now the global recession have financially crippled growers and producers in the poorest regions of the world. While New Zealanders are also feeling the effects of the recession, support for Fairtrade continues to grow. Sales of Fairtrade Certified products including coffee, tea and chocolate reached NZ$10.5 million in 2008 “ an increase of more 50 per cent from 2007. Sales of Fairtrade certified coffee have grown by more than 60 per cent over the same period.

Despite tighter financial times, consumers globally continue to demand independent verification that the products they purchase are ethically sourced and produced.

“As consumers we have a very powerful voice – we can effect change simply by altering the way we shop,” says Barry Coates, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand.

“The continued growth in New Zealand’s Fairtrade market is great news for Fairtrade farmers in developing countries who are struggling to earn a living.”

Coates adds: “With the Fairtrade market in New Zealand booming, farmers can sell their coffee, tea and cocoa to New Zealand importers at a decent price, and as a result have income to support their families and communities. And we are working with New Zealand companies and producers in the Pacific to expand the range of Fairtrade products for ῎ew Zealanders to choose from “ Fairtrade Bananas are just around the corner.

The Fairtrade movement has been one of the most powerful responses to the plight of producers in developing countries who have long been excluded from the benefits of international trade. An impressive 7.5 million people from 59 developing countries now benefit from the Fairtrade system.

Choosing to buy Fairtrade products is an easy and effective way to ensure that people in the developing world get a fair price for their goods, and helps them to work their way out of poverty.

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