Wales leads the way with Fair Trade

Contact:
Elen Jones - 07912 496044
media@fairtradewales.com
http://www.fairtradewales.co.uk

Welsh shoppers continue to favour Fair Trade products when shopping despite being caught in the middle of a global recession new figures reveal.

An independent survey commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government shows that the number of consumers buying Fair Trade products has continued to rise since 2007, with over half the population now choosing Fair Trade on a regular basis.

Elen Jones, the National Coordinator for Fair Trade Wales said:

‘This is really great news for Fair Trade and for Wales. It shows that even during a financial recession when people have to make every penny count, the people of Wales still care about the lives of workers in developing countries.'

She said:

‘This really does show that Wales is committed to its status as a Fair Trade Nation. The small choices that people make as consumers can make a big difference.'

The figures also show that awareness and understanding of Fair Trade is also on the increase in Wales, with more than two thirds of the population recognising the Fairtrade logo and understanding that that it guarantees a better deal for Third World producers.

Notes to editors:
· Figures taken from the Wales Omnibus, November 2009
· Fair Trade Wales is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
· In 2008 Wales became the first ever Fair Trade Nation.
· All local authorities in Wales have either achieved or are working towards Fairtrade status.