Organics skyrocketed in
popularity during the '90s.
Is it Fair Trade’s turn?
People around the world are discovering that they
can get the things they need while honoring and protecting workers by buying
Fair Trade food and household items. It’s a way to say no to an economic
system that exploits workers and devastates the environment and say yes to a
system that empowers farmers and artisans while preserving the planet.
Every year the excitement surrounding Fair Trade
increases dramatically and many compare it to the organics boom of the '90s. A decade ago, coffee was the only Fair Trade Certified product available in the U.S. Today, shoppers can find a wide range of Fair Trade products in stores. Sales hit the $5 billion mark last year, one-third of that amount coming from the U.S.
The Fair Trade movement has thrived even during the
economic downturn. Growth was 20% in 2008 and 7% in 2009. People often purchase
Fair Trade products because they are high quality but they remain loyal customers
because of the social component.
Another reason that Fair Trade is on the verge of
a breakthrough is that large companies are starting to embrace the concept. For
example, Bruegger’s Bagels now offers at least one variety of Fair Trade
coffee in all of its stores. Starbucks doubled its Fair Trade coffee purchases,
making it the largest buyer of Fair Trade coffee by volume. Ice cream maker Ben
and Jerry’s has announced that by 2013 it will use only Fair Trade Certified
ingredients - a whopping 132 of them - in its 58 flavors. The move will involve 11
Fair Trade cooperatives around the world with over 33,000 members.
