HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 cc576-7W
Mr. Weir

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will take steps to encourage UK supermarkets to stock a greater range of fair trade products. [36082]

Hilary Benn

Fair Trade (FT) is a small but significant part of the international trading system that aims to build more equitable trading partnerships between north and south, by offering better prices and better trading terms to small and medium-sized producer groups in developing countries.

The growth in sales of FT labelled products in the UK over the past five years has been dramatic—albeit from a low base. Moreover, whereas in the past, FT products were sold only through dedicated FT outlets, nowadays FT foods and beverages are to be found in an increasing number of UK supermarkets. Some retailers have even launched own label FT products and there is every indication of this trend continuing as more FT standards are agreed and consumer demand for FT increases.

DFID has provided financial support to the media campaigns of the Fair Trade Foundation designed specifically to raise both supermarket and consumer awareness of FT. In particular DFID funds the Fair Trade Foundation's annual Fair Trade Fortnight (4–17 March 2002) which will draw shoppers' attention to the increasing range of FT products available in UK supermarkets.

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