More UK consumers concerned about Fairtrade

28th February 2008, 10:54am

The number of UK consumers interested in Fairtrade has more than doubled in the past five years, with nearly a quarter of shoppers now saying they have recently bought Fairtrade products.

This figure is up from 11% in 2003.

International food and grocery experts IGD predicts growth in annual Fairtrade spending will average 11% over the next five years to total £585m by 2012.

Gerardine Padbury, senior consumer analyst, said: "People are taking a renewed interest in where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Fairtrade sales are likely to remain upbeat in an economic downturn, with only 6% of shoppers saying they will cut back on ethical purchasing because of a tighter household budget.

"Ethical shopping is one of the big growth areas in the UK, with sales of ethically-branded products outstripping conventional products."

"But there is no single ethical consumer, and each shopper is placing a different emphasis on environment, social and economic issues. This presents both challenges and opportunities for retailers and suppliers."

Weblink:

www.igd.com

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