Sustainability and fair trade: Fairtrade chocolate is becoming increasingly popular

As of: October 8th, 2021 1:23 p.m.

Chocolate is the big winner among fair products. But other fairly traded foods are also showing an increase in sales, giving the industry an upswing.

The Fairtrade industry is breathing again after the slump during the Corona crisis: For the first half of 2021, the industry recorded a sales increase of four percent. This is evident from the new figures published by the Association of Fairtrade Germany today.

Fairly traded products mean compliance with minimum standards by producers of foods such as cocoa or coffee. It is to be ensured that workers are not exploited, but are appropriately involved in the sales of the products.

According to Dieter Overath, CEO of Fairtrade Deutschland eV: “The half-yearly figures are encouraging. The corona dent has been ironed out, and the demand for sustainable food seems to be primarily responsible for the increased sales unbroken. In the past six months alone, 30 new license partners have been added who offer products with the Fairtrade seal. “

“We want to transform the market”

The clear favorite of consumers is fair trade chocolate: sales rose by 35 percent in the first half of 2021. According to the association, this is primarily due to the new own brands from retailers such as Rewe, Lidl and Aldi. The supermarket chains and discounters are campaigning for better working conditions for cocoa farmers around the world.

Fairtrade tea is just as popular with consumers as chocolate, with sales growing by 34 percent. The association also draws a positive balance when it comes to the sale of coffee and juices. One reason for this is that a large part of the fair food in Germany is now also certified organic. “We want to transform the food market, today rather than tomorrow. The goal must be global trade justice,” said Overath.

Consumer study confirms the trend

A new consumer study by the Rheingold Institute in Cologne also shows that there is great growth potential for fair trade in Germany: “Today, sustainability is less of a global challenge. For many consumers, the focus is on the direct environment, the preservation of regional agriculture and the environment . At the same time, sustainability is not sustainable without a global dimension. In the midst of this discussion, Fairtrade has the best prerequisites to become a pioneer of global sustainability 2.0 “, says Stephan Grünewald, Managing Director of the Rheingold Institute.

source site