Here are the excerpts:
"People are cutting back on spending, and organic foods tend to be more expensive. But here is an interesting point: sales of Fairtrade goods are holding up, even though they often cost more too.
"The proportion of UK shoppers who say they buy Fairtrade goods – with producers being paid a minimum price – stood at 25 per cent this year, compared with 23 per cent in 2008 and only 9 per cent in 2006, according to IGD, the grocery trade research organisation. By contrast, the number of consumers who say they buy organic food fell to 19 per cent from 24 per cent last year (although that was up from 12 per cent in 2006).
"Fairtrade has its critics, who say it encourages producers in the developing world to remain in sectors that they would be better off abandoning in favour of more promising industries. Many consumers, however, seem happy to accept the argument that buying Fairtrade goods helps to lift living standards. Cadbury announced this year that all the cocoa in Dairy Milk, the UK’s best-selling chocolate bar, would come from Fairtrade farmers. The UK-based confectionery group said this was what consumers wanted. Fairtrade farms were also more productive and the move would help Cadbury ensure the sustainability of its cocoa supplies."
(Michael Skapinker. Full article here.)
What I think this demonstrates is that when money becomes tight, people pay more attention to where their spent money ends up. Skapinker goes on to point out that in the UK, it has been difficult to prove to consumers that eating organic food is worth the premium price with respect to nutrition, animal treatment, and energy effeciency. So the argument for organic is somewhat weak, according to Skapinker.
We do hope that we will see a similar trend in the US (not necessarily with declining sales of organic food, but with consistent and rising sales of fairtrade goods). We do challenge you to find out where your money ends up as you spend it. If you have any questions about what World Next Door does with your money when you make a purchase, we invite you to come in and ask us!
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