Kiwi Fairtrade spending rises

New Zealanders spent 24 per cent more on Fairtrade products in 2011 than they did the previous year, latest figures from the international organisation show.

Consumers around the globe spent almost $8.8 billion (€5 billion) on Fairtrade certified products last year, 12 per cent more than in 2010.

In New Zealand, Kiwi consumers spent $45.4 million on products such as coffee, chocolate, bananas and tea in 2011, a quarter more than in 2010.

Market share of Fairtrade certified products has hit "decisive" levels in a number of established Fairtrade markets, the organisation says.

More than half of all bananas bought in Switzerland now bear the Fairtrade mark. In New Zealand, after only entering the market in 2010, Fairtrade bananas have taken a 4-5 per cent share with sales reaching $2.4m in 2011.

Fairtrade products are sold in 120 countries, and are experiencing sharp growth in new markets, Fairtrade International says.

In South Africa, for example, consumers spent three times more on Fairtrade certified products in 2011 compared with 2010. Shoppers there can buy Fairtrade products grown by farmers and workers in their own country.

Fairtrade products are grown by 1.2 million farmers and workers at 991 Fairtrade certified organisations in 66 countries.

"Choosing Fairtrade is the norm for millions of people around the world. It's becoming a bigger and bigger part of our regular weekly shopping and Kiwi consumers are continuing to increase their spend substantially," said Stephen Knapp, CEO of Fairtrade ANZ.

- © Fairfax NZ News