Fair trade
In 2003, the global Fair Trade sales were over $895m and sales could increase by a factor of 20 or more in the next few years (Nicholls and Opal, 2004). Half the UK popula­tion is now aware of Fair Trade and there are similar figures for other European countries. Sales of fair trade products in Europe are growing remarkably well in several countries, largely stagnant in other countries and are not prominent in CEE countries. In 2004 sales grew of 102% in France, 50% in Belgium and 60% in Italy (Wills, 2005) (Table 2-14).
     The findings of the 2005 Fair Trade Trends Report (Fair Trade Foundation, 2005) clearly demonstrate that the Fair Trade movement has continued to grow rapidly over the past five years. In 2003, total Fair Trade sales in North America including Mexico reached $291.75 million, a 53% increase

over 2002. The US Fair Trade sales currently represent a po­tentially huge market for the initiative. US Fair Trade mar­ket is the largest single national market in the world after UK and the sales are increasing remarkably (Table 2-15).

Fair Trade Coffee. In 2002, FLO estimated the income ben­efit to Fairtrade producers at £21m, of which £17m was attributable to sales of Fairtrade certified coffee. TransFair USA estimated that, in five years of activity in the USA, Fair Trade has returned over £16.8m to coffee farmers in de­veloping countries above what they would have received in the conventional market (TransFair USA, 2004). Fair Trade coffee sales vary considerably among different European countries. While coffee sales keep increasing in some coun­tries, in general in Europe are largely stagnant.

Importing Organizations= 200

Sales outlets

Number

World shops

2,845

Supermarkets

56,700

Others

19,300

Total sales outlets

78,900

Paid staff

Importing organizations

851

World shop associations

107

Labeling organizations

113

Total paid staff

1,071

Turnover (in 000 €)

Importing organizations

243,300

World shops, net retail value

103,100

Labeling organizations, net retail value

597,000

Education/PR/Marketing (in 000 €)

Importing organizations

11,400

World shops associations

1,700

Labeling organization

5,100

All world shops, net retail value, estimate (in 000 €)

120,000

All Fair Trade products net retail value, estimate (in 000 €)

660,000