Irish consumers spent 10% more on Fairtrade products in 2015 compared to the previous year, bringing the overall spend to €250 million.
The best performing Fairtrade products were bananas, which saw a rise of 20%, and coffee, which increased by 11%.
Peter Gaynor, Executive Director of Fairtrade Ireland, commented, "These figures are encouraging, but what's more inspiring is the fact that during one of the worst economic challenges our country has faced Irish consumers never wavered, they continued to purchase products with the Fairtrade Mark and the steady growth in Fairtrade sales has continued again this year."
In addition, Aldi Ireland sold 2 million Fairtrade roses last year having partnered up with a Fairtrade certified plantation in Ethiopia. The retailer also sells 14% of its bananas as Fairtrade bananas, while Lidl does so with 21% of its bananas.
Furthermore, Bewleys has announced plans to convert all of its branded fresh coffee products to Fairtrade Certified by the end of the year, doubling its current commitment of sourcing 50% of its coffee beans through the Fairtrade system.
Jim Corbett, Managing Director of Bewley’s, emphasised the importance of Fairtrade, saying, "With Fairtrade you have the power in your pocket to change the world every day. Our objective always is to achieve high quality for the consumer and a fair deal for the producer."
Fairtrade Fortnight launched yesterday, Monday 29th February, in Dublin’s City Hall. The initiative marks the charity’s 20th year in Ireland and will involve a series of nationwide events over the next two weeks.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Brian Dermody
