Sales of Fairtrade products up 40% to €9m last year

Sales of Fairtrade products in Ireland are worth €9 million-a-year, according to the body that promotes the brand around the country.

Fairtrade Mark Ireland says sales rose 40% last year alone, with the products available now ranging from wine and rice to the traditional items like coffee, chocolate and fruit juices.

The figures are being released to coincide with a new two-week campaign to promote the Fairtrade brand.

Retailers are being urged to increase their distribution of the products, which ensure that a fair price is paid to farmers and producers in the Third World.