The latest retail sales figures released by Fairtrade Australia New Zealand reveal that Kiwis are supportive of Fairtrade products based on ethical practices.
Shoppers spent a whopping $89 million on Fairtrade certified products in 2014, which is a 28 per cent growth on the previous year’s sales figures. The rise in sales in 2014 equals $19.7 million. In 2013 sales of fair trade goods hit $69.3 million.
Fairtrade Australia New Zealand’s CEO Molly Harriss Olson says, “Fairtrade has seen exceptional growth in 2014. This has been driven by good performance in key categories, with coffee and chocolate growing by 16 per cent and 22 per cent respectively, steady growth in new product innovations such as drinks, syrups and frozen desserts, and a big increase in the availability and consumption of Fairtrade bananas. This result clearly shows that Kiwis are an ethical bunch who are dedicated to supporting farmers in developing countries through their purchasing habits.”
The figures were announced in time for the annual celebration known as Fair Trade Fortnight (May 8 to 22), whose theme for 2015 is “The Great Kiwi Fairness Debate”.
This theme is asking the nation to debate fairness by posing questions about everyday situations and promoting the positive impacts of buying Fairtrade products; impacts for farmers which will progressively increase as sales continue to rise.
Fair trade certified brands include The Wellington Chocolate Factory, Nice Blocks, Micah Clothing and Kathmandu. Companies like Glassons which have been caught out for unethical practices are reviewing these practices.
