SALES of Fairtrade products rocketed at Co-op Group stores over the recent Fairtrade Fortnight promotion.
Brad Hill, the Group's Consumer Policy Development Manager, Food Retail, told www.thenews.coop: "The Co-op remains the dominant force in Fairtrade with Movement-wide sales reaching £ 31million last year. This represents a grocers' market share of around 25% despite competitors now responding at last to our own campaigning and market-building over the past few years.
"Fairtrade Fortnight itself was a tremendous success and the Co-op's long-standing commitment to Fairtrade was highlighted by both ITV and BBC. A strong promotional package – 20% off all retail prices, national TV and press advertising – combined with Fairtrade membership events nationwide saw Fairtrade sales at the Co-operative Group grow by some 50% compared to last year's event and increase by an incredible 130% on normal weekly sales rates within the Group."
Added Mr Hill: "Most notable successes were chocolate, showing annual growth of 62%, and wines at over 87%. And, of course, this growth is on top of the ever-developing Fairtrade sales performance.
"In total, sales through Co-ops amounted to an estimated £ 2.6 million during Fairtrade Fortnight – more than any other retailer and successfully defending our position despite recent competitor moves. "
*Further details in the next edition of the Co-operative News – available on Tuesday April 18th.
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