Fairtrade sales will continue to defy the recession and grow by up to 15% this year, according to Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International, which reported UK sales rising 43% to £700m in 2008.
There were plans to increase the number of accredited farms and products - with melons due to launch shortly, said Fairtrade Foundation business development manager Mark Varney.
Supermarkets were continuing to support the sector, he added. "The recessionary pressures on retailers are clear across all categories, but they are continuing to invest in Fairtrade," he said. "And there's more than enough data to suggest consumers are crying out for more Fairtrade products."
FLO chief executive Rob Cameron last week pledged to speed up the certification process for Fairtrade producers, an area that has drawn criticism in the past.
There were plans to increase the number of accredited farms and products - with melons due to launch shortly, said Fairtrade Foundation business development manager Mark Varney.
Supermarkets were continuing to support the sector, he added. "The recessionary pressures on retailers are clear across all categories, but they are continuing to invest in Fairtrade," he said. "And there's more than enough data to suggest consumers are crying out for more Fairtrade products."
FLO chief executive Rob Cameron last week pledged to speed up the certification process for Fairtrade producers, an area that has drawn criticism in the past.
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