Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

 We made the decision at the end of 2004 to start using Fairtrade tea and coffee within our office and everyone loved it. We wanted you to start to think about using Fairtrade products and so we held a taste testing session. Most of you involved loved the taste and the concept too.

Fairtrade is becoming better recognised within the UK with more and more people choosing to purchase Fairtrade product for the home. However as Harriett Lamb, Fairtrade Foundation Director, explained,
"Fairtrade is now becoming a lifestyle choice - we don't just want Fairtrade at home, we want to be able to choose Fairtrade at work, leisure and play"

Estimated percentage increases from 2006-2007

• Total sales: 127% increase by volume and 72% by estimated retail value
• Total coffee: 33% increase by volume and 24% by estimated retail value
• Total tea: 21% increase by volume and 24% by estimated retail value
• Wine: 47% increase by volume and 51% by estimated retail value
• Flowers: 71% increase by volume and 72% by estimated retail value
• Cotton: 1,655% increase by volume and 658% by estimated retail value

The figures for 2007 also show that the actual volumes of Fairtrade products more than doubled between 2006 and 2007.

Click here to buy Fairtrade