Using a combination of social psychology and economic models, a new UK study shows fair trade product sales increased in popularity during an economic downturn while organic product sales dropped, indicating a divide between the two labels’ favourability...
New research from Kingston University shows that people with one of three personality traits are more likely to buy fair trade products, highlighting the potential benefits of personality-based marketing for ethical foods.
Fair trade standards should become watchdogs instead of the benchmark for sustainability, argues the recently appointed head of sustainable commodities NGO Solidaridad.
The Fair Trade Advocacy Office has called on the European Commission and European Parliament to help boost the uptake of Fair Trade at a local level, which FTAO director Sergi Corbalán says could incite the food and beverage industry to source a larger...
Fairtrade Fortnight, which starts on Monday, February 25, sees businesses backing Fairtrade’s cocoa campaign with calls for more action from UK government.
Almost half of shoppers in the UK are discouraged from buying ethical food because of its price – but the Fairtrade Foundation insists fairtrade products offer “something for everybody”.
Sales of Fairtrade products continue to grow in Europe. But certain companies and retailers are abandoning the mark in favour of internal programmes. Is certification still relevant?
UK supermarket Sainsbury’s, the world’s biggest retailer of Fairtrade goods, has launched its own sustainable sourcing programme for more than 35 key commodities and ingredients. Campaigners, farmers and some manufacturers have cried foul, but are they...
Fairtrade food could be in short supply if the UK government continues to ignore the need for preferential trade deals with developing countries, two new reports have warned.
The Swiss buy more fair trade foods than Germans, but it’s not just because there are more products available to them: they’re also “more ethically convinced” by these products, researchers have found.
MassChallenge donates millions in its first Swiss awards
Swiss start-up incubator MassChallenge has dished out almost €1.4m in funding to food based start-ups that are offering the industry a new approach to fair trade coffee; a device to fight food fraud; and a probiotic to boost the meat sector.
Don’t believe everything you hear – women are no more ethical than men and the propensity to buy green goods doesn’t increase with age, according to new research carried out in the UK.
The value of UK Fairtrade sales dropped by €127m last year due to falling demand for cane sugar but the Fairtrade Foundation says it is remaining cautiously optimistic for 2016 as sales of Fairtrade coffee, cocoa, tea and wine all grew.
A growing trend for sustainability certifications and on pack ‘branding’ could mean manufacturers are missing the wider point of sustainability issues and may confuse consumers so much they no longer care.
The German Fairtrade market is the most dynamic globally, as growth in certified products spiked by more than a quarter in the past year, says TransFair chief Dieter Overath.
The inclusion of new voluntary best practices in the organisation’s revised trader standard is an “interesting” element, said a representative at Voice Network.
Consumers in producer countries are increasingly interested in Fairtrade certified products as a means of supporting their domestic economy, according to Fairtrade International’s annual report.
European public authorities will be able to preferentially choose Fair Trade products, after a majority of MEPs voted in favour of a new public procurement directive last week.
Branded chocolate makers could get a sales boost by cutting prices for fairtrade products in developed markets and making items more readily available, according to an analyst from Euromonitor.
Fairtrade International has said the number of farmers and workers benefitting from the system increased by 13% in 2011 as the food and drink industry continues to pledge its support, according to a new report.
A proliferation of eco-labels could have adverse consequences, as food manufacturers question the value of certification schemes in light of a fragmented market and multiple fees, according to Organic Monitor.
Fairtrade product sales rose 12% worldwide in 2011 due to ethical sourcing commitments from the food and drink industry and increased consumer awareness.
Fairtrade International (FLO) has increased minimum prices and required price gaps for different Fairtrade coffees in reaction to the recent spike in prices.
Over a quarter of German consumers put ethical consumption ahead of other forms of charitable behaviour, with five predominant profiles according to preference, suggests new research.
Fairtrade claims are currently less important to UK shoppers than health and even animal welfare product claims, data from MMR Research Worldwide indicates – while figures from the Fairtrade Foundation suggest ongoing growth.
A new minimum price for Fairtrade organic cocoa, which comes into force early next year, will act as an income safety net for growers amid ongoing price volatility in the sector, according to the organization behind the standard.
There is enough volume of Fairtrade cocoa available to supply more large brands switching product lines to Fairtrade, according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).
A hike in US$50 in the Fairtrade premium per metric tonne (MT) of cocoa should encourage investment in sustainable cocoa initiatives and better farming practices, claims the group behind the standard, which expects ongoing growth in Fairtrade products.
Around 1.2 million farmers and workers around the world are estimated to have benefited from Fairtrade certification and labelling schemes in 2009, says FLO, with coffee still the largest category.
Sustainability has become a mainstream concern for UK consumers but does not necessarily translate into altered shopping behaviours, according to a new survey from The Nielsen Company.
Sales of Fairtrade certified products increased 15 per cent in 2009, according to the global Fairtrade body, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).
More resources and regulatory support are needed to develop fair trade schemes, says a new opinion from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Approaches should be harmonised where they agree, and their differences clearly communicated.
UK consumers are likely to become more interested in purchasing ethically produced foods as the country emerges from recession, according to research from IGD.
UK consumers have a great desire to learn about conditions for food producers in poor countries, a new survey indicates, which food manufacturers can satisfy by flagging up their ethical sourcing efforts.
A major new inquiry is seeking evidence on fairness in the global food system and will deliver a set of recommendations for food producers, retailers and governments on ethical practices.
Symrise has received fair trade certification for its bourbon vanilla extracts from Madagascar, offering farmers advice and premiums that help dissuade them from switching to less labour intensive crops.
The European Commission has today adopted a communication on the importance of fair trade and non-governmental trade-related sustainability schemes, recognising their progress and pledging ongoing support.
Consumers don’t just expect companies to do no harm in communities they source from, but to actually contribute to development, a major international survey commissioned by FLO International indicates – and they appear to be sticking by their principles...
Cadbury’s commitment to source cocoa for its popular Dairy Milk chocolate bars is a strong signal that responsible sourcing is moving out of a niche and into the mainstream, and will introduce more consumers to the principal.
Awareness of fairtrade produce in the UK has mushroomed in the last
two years, according to a Fairtrade Foundation-sponsored survey
that indicates growing potential food companies to attract
consumers through ethical practices.
Sainsbury's announced this week that it will convert banana stocks
to 100 per cent Fairtrade, in a move that will have a significant
impact on growers and other retailers.
The world needs an independent trade watchdog to properly regulate
the international food supply chain if we as a society are to truly
create a more sustainable and ethical food market.
