Chomping on chocolate sees Fairtrade double

Australia and New Zealand continue to be one of the world's fastest growing markets for Fairtrade products with sales increasing by more than 100% in just 12 months.

Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand (Fairtrade ANZ) announced today that 2010 sales were at $36.6 million.

CEO Stephen Knapp said the outstanding sales growth was matched by a significant jump in consumer awareness of the Fairtrade Label - rising from 41% in 2009 to 51% in June 2010.

"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."

Last year saw a massive increase in sales of Fairtrade chocolate due in part to the introduction of new 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."

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," Knapp said.


Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar
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Source and photo: TVNZ