Supermarket launches fair-trade coffee

A British supermarket chain today launches an own-label coffee which guarantees a fair price to growers in the Third World countries.

Sainsbury’s is the largest chain to make the move and follows a boom in the market for fair trade products in the UK.

As supermarkets react to the demand, it is anticipated more farmers and producers will be helped from the poverty trap caused by fluctuating world commodity prices.

The market for fair trade produce has grown significantly in recent years.

Products grown in this way include coffee, tea, cocoa, and sugar. They were once sold only in health food stores but are now proving popular among supermarket shoppers.

Sales of fair trade produce are expected to top £50m this year.