Consumers have become increasingly more demanding regarding the conditions under which the products they consume are produced, and businesses that have an ethical commitment are growing.

A statement from the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:

Commitments made by the food industry have meant increased sales of products certified as Fairtrade worldwide

Sales of Fairtrade certified products increased 12% worldwide in 2011, mainly due to the ethical commitments made by the food industry and an increase in awareness on the part of buyers. According to Fairtrade International, in 2011 sales of these products exceeded U.S. $6 billion.

In its annual report, Fairtrade International also highlights the United Kingdom, as in 2010, it led the sales of these foods in the world which also grew by 12% compared to the previous year.

Vicky Pauschert, spokeswoman for the organization, said that sales in this country also increased thanks to a national strategy under which Fairtrade is promoted in schools and universities, she said: “Demand is certainly growing, because despite the economic situation people still care about the provenance of their products.”

Source: PROCOMER