seattleDIRT

DIRT reader emmafoster commented on the My Fair (Trade) Coffee, asking whether we think the Fair Trade ‘trend’ will continue.  On her blog she reviews some stats about the state of Fair Trade revenue:

A recent press release from the Fairtrade Labeling organisation (FLO) has indicated that there has been a massive 47 percent rise in sales of Fair Trade products from 2006-2007, the largest annual rise yet.

They say that this is due to the expansion of existing markets for Fair Trade in the US and UK and the new markets across Europe, such as in Switzerland and Norway.

They also say that their average of 40 percent annual rise in sales over the last six years, there is still room for further expansion of the Fair Trade label and will be further demand for products.

The three products with the most impressive increase in sales are

1. Juices (400%)
2. Sugar (200%)
3. Bananas (72%)

http://www.fairtrade.net/single_view.html?&cHash=ec8730e426&tx_ttnews[backPid]=168&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=41

So with the statistics in place, is this proof for green and ethical consumerism?

Is it due to marketing and advertising that we now opt for  more moral choice of goods?

Are businesses cashing in on this new trend and offering more choice of fairtrade/organic/environmentally friendly products? http://environmentalnewsonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=40

Or are we merely becoming more intelligent and recognising that a small choice can make a difference if we all play the same game?

The debate goes on but what do you think?

My first response was, well of course people do and will continue to support Fair Trade.

But then I started thinking about all the new costs that are sure to come along with climate change bills and gas prices. With making things right with the climate will we have the funds to make things right socially and economically? If everything increases, except your pay check, will you still reach for the Fair Trade bananas?

I want to say yes, but I can’t speak for everyone.