Wales Co-operative Centre
Canolfan Cwdweithredol Cymru

How can Fair Trade help my business?

Fair Trade sales are ever increasing as consumers expect ethical options.

Sales of Fairtrade products reached just under £2.8 billion in 2009/10, an increase of 15% from the previous year.

Even in today’s financial climate producers are experiencing growth: cocoa and sugar farmers saw sales up 35% and 57% respectively. Coffee sales increased by 12%.

In Australia and New Zealand, consumers increased their Fairtrade shopping by 58%.

By offering a Fair Trade product at work or to your customers you will also be helping producers in developing countries in the long term.

And Wales is still the world’s first Fair Trade Nation!

What are the benefits to my business?

• Stand out from the competition - stocking Fairtrade products can make your business more attractive to consumers. Your organisation could benefit from increased sales and profitability.
• Increase customer loyalty - your commitment to Fair Trade could increase customer retention which will reduce your marketing costs.
• Recruiting staff and volunteers – may be easier if you show you are a caring and ethical employer, and staff/volunteer retention may also increase.
• Positive public relations – tell the local press about your move to Fair Trade, as well as your funders and other stakeholders.
• Live up to customer expectations – younger consumers expect companies to do business ethically and Fair Trade is one way to start.

If you stock a minimum number of Fairtrade products you could be featured in your local Fair Trade guide. We can put you in touch with your local group through Fair Trade Wales.

How do I switch to Fair Trade?

See a list of Fairtrade products you could stock or provide for staff.

Adopt a Fair Trade policy for your business.

More information

Fair Trade marketing factsheet (.pdf)

Fair Trade for hospitality businesses (.pdf)

Fair Trade leaflet A5 (.pdf)