The cost of living pressures in the UK are not likely to inhibit growth of ethical consumerism, according to the Co-operative Bank. Its 9th annual report into green spending in Britain discovered the ethical market had risen by 15 per cent to £35.5b (A$83.6b) in 2007; although ethical spend remained a reasonably small percentage (about 5%) of total retail sales of over £600b. Dick Parkhouse, Managing Director for Retail at the bank, believes that Government stimulus packages can help ensure the... ...Read more »

Swiss-based Nestlé, the world’s largest food manufacturer, is to cut the sugar content of some of their most popular childrens’ foods. The announcement will officially be made later today with the release of their “Global Marketing to Children Principles” in Switzerland. Among the products to be reformulated is the renowned Milo brand, with the company reporting they will stamp out advertising to children of products which do not meet a set nutritional profile. All products... ...Read more »

Good corporate citizenship reflected by ethical labour, environmental and social practices cannot be ignored by companies looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, according to a new survey conducted by TNS Canadian Facts. A key factor in the success of a business over the long term is the trust that is built between the company and consumers. Businesses that breach that trust can often suffer the consequences. In fact, about half of Canadians (49 per cent) say that they are... ...Read more »