The Fairtrade Association of Australia & New Zealand (FTAANZ) has urged all Aussies to show off their swap to Fairtrade Certified and fair trade products this Fair Trade Fortnight, whether it be their morning coffee, afternoon cuppa, chocolate treat, their t-shirt or even the Mother’s Day gift they give. Fair Trade Fortnight (7-22 May) is Australia’s biggest annual celebration of all things fair trade, recognising the life-changing difference fair trade makes to the lives of more than six... ...Read more »

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 »

Marcel Smits, the chief executive of Sara Lee, defended the US food group’s plans to split the business in two, amid questions over whether the move will benefit shareholders. Smits, who also admitted today that Sara Lee had decided against pursuing “unsolicited indications of interest” from unnamed parties to buy the company, said the decision to divide the group was “in the best interests of the business and shareholders”. The Dutchman was addressing Wall Street analysts... ...Read more »

Sara Lee Corp has announced a new five-year initiative aiming to triple its purchases of sustainable coffee, expand partner programs and support the market for sustainable tea. The company, currently divesting itself of many of its product lines to focus on its coffee business, is speculated to be considering splitting its coffee and processed meats businesses. “Sara Lee’s long-term goal is to use only certified coffee and tea in all products worldwide, and this new aggressive five-year plan... ...Read more »

The first measurements of antioxidant levels in commercial bottled tea beverages has concluded that health-conscious consumers may not be getting what they pay for: healthful doses of polyphenol antioxidants, which may ward off a range of diseases. Dr Shiming Li analysed six bottled teas, and found that they contained significantly fewer polyphenols than a single cup of home-brewed green or black tea. Some contained such small amounts that consumers would have to drink 20 bottles to get the polyphenols... ...Read more »

Major food producer Unilever Australia will invest $1.2 million to create a chai latte production line at its Tatura plant, creating 10 new jobs, thanks to strong support from the Brumby Labor Government. Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said the popular Lipton Chai Latte product would now be produced at Unilever’s Tatura site, meaning more jobs for regional Victoria. “With strong support from the Victorian Government, Unilever Australia will now produce the Lipton... ...Read more »

An ice cream you do not have to freeze, and chocolate pills which extend life expectancy are among the world’s newest consumer goods identified by Product Launch Analytics. Cesar Pereira, Research Manager at Product Launch Analytics said: “The new launches we’re seeing this month focus on innovation in flavour and composition rather than ingredients. The chocolate pills are an example of the growing trend which we’re seeing build month-on-month, where chocolate is being... ...Read more »

Researchers at Nagoya University have reported evidence that drinking coffee may help prevent diabetes, and that coffee can ameliorate the effects of fatty liver, hyperglycemia and improve insulin sensitivity. The research, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, fed diabetes-prone mice either water or diluted coffee for five weeks. The coffee-drinking mice showed improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fatty liver and lower levels of inflammatory adipocytokines – all factors... ...Read more »

Coles is celebrating the 2010 Fair Trade Fortnight by expanding its market-leading Fairtrade Certified product range. Coles will launch eight new high-quality Fairtrade Certified tea and coffee housebrand products in stores this June. The new lines further cement Coles’ position as having the largest range of Fairtrade Certified products of any Australian supermarket chain, with 40 housebrand and proprietary Fair Trade products on shelf. The new lines have been developed to the same high standards... ...Read more »

A range of leading Australian businesses have announced Big Swaps to fair trade products as part of Fair Trade Fortnight (1-16 May) – Australia’s biggest annual celebration of the life-changing difference fair trade makes for millions of developing country farmers, their families and communities. As part of the Fortnight’s launch in Sydney last Friday (30 April), two of Australia’s leading national law firms, Mallesons Stephen Jaques and Allens Arthur Robinson, were awarded... ...Read more »