Fairtrade has grown at an incredible rate in recent times, with sales in the U.K. in 2008 reaching £712 million, an increase of 43% over the previous year. The economic downturn does not appear to be affecting current levels of support, and indeed there are great expectations of the Foundation realising its ultimate goal of U.K. sales exceeding £1 billion, within the foreseeable future.
A number of announcements in recent times by multi-national companies, starting with Tate and Lyle and later Starbucks, and this year by Cadbury and by Nestle, have transformed the Fairtrade landscape and promise a quantum leap in opportunity for farmers in developing countries to work their way out of poverty.
It is exciting to observe how these major companies are now proud to display their Fairtrade credentials on their flagship products. We learned at the Fairtrade Foundation Supporters Conference in October in London that in each case the decision to change to Fairtrade sourced raw materials for their leading brands was based on sound commercial evidence and feedback from customer surveys.
One key message from the conference was “If you can, buy local, if you can’t, buy Fairtrade”. Fairtrade Jersey (the Jersey Fairtrade Island Group) is pleased to endorse that advice and we encourage any cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops, businesses and organisations, schools and churches, to make a New Year resolution to join the Fairtrade Island community at the earliest opportunity.
Harriet Lamb will attend a special Fairtrade Dinner at the Town Hall on Wednesday 13th. January 2010 where she will speak about recent dramatic events in Fairtrade development. She will also present certificates to organisations that are proud to support Fairtrade, and everyone who has an interest in learning more and attending this event may obtain tickets (£15.00) and information from Ed Le Quesne on edleq@jerseymail.co.uk or on 730131.
Tony Allchurch, chairman. tony@allchurch.je or on 767593
