Sales of Fairtrade products have bucked the recession in the UK, rising by 40% and topping the GBP 1 billion mark for the first time.As it launched Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fairtrade Foundation reported that sales of Fairtrade products rose by 40% in 2010 to an estimated retail value of GBP1.17bn. The organisation said it demonstrated that UK shoppers are continuing to show their ethical values despite the tough times. “It is fantastic to break the first billion,” Fairtrade Foundation... ...Read more »

The management running UK-based premium organic chocolate maker Green & Black’s is reportedly considering buying the business from parent company Kraft Foods. A report in The Financial Times said bosses at Green & Black’s, which Kraft acquired as part of its acquisition of Cadbury last year, are looking at possible plans for a management buy-out. The FT cited sources familiar with Green & Black’s that claimed the chocolate maker’s management were struggling to... ...Read more »

Despite an economically difficult year, sales of fairtrade products have been roaring, with consumers around the world spending around AU$5.4 billion on Fairtrade products in 2009 – a 15% increase over 2008. Australian and New Zealand consumers were a particularly strong market, increasing their Fairtrade shopping by 58%, compared to 14% in the UK and 7% in the US. Fairtrade cocoa grew by 35% and and sugar by 57%, thanks in part to Fairtrade committments by global chocolate and confectionary brands,... ...Read more »

World Vision has taken the decision to pause campaigning activities aimed at Arnott’s for a 6 month period in response to the company publicly committing to address potential labour exploitation in its West African supply chain. World Vision’s Don’t Trade Lives campaign activities prompted a meeting between World Vision and Arnott’s executives on 29 March 2010, following which Arnott’s issued the public statement. World Vision is encouraged by Arnott’s acknowledgement... ...Read more »

Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand today confirmed premium organic chocolate maker Green & Black’s will be going Fairtrade Certified across the vast majority of its block chocolate and beverages range this year. The move continues on a steady push toward Fairtrade by confectioners over the past year, with the likes of Cadbury and Nestlé committing to Fairtrade cocoa for their Dairy Milk and Kit Kat brands, respectively. And, with cocoa production tainted over the past decade... ...Read more »