The Success Of Fair Trade

Though fair trade products are not going to solve all of the injustices in the world, it does accomplish some things. Eco-friendly products are often available for a reasonable price that does not sacrifice ethical craftsmanship and manufacturing. It helps to balance the inequalities between the developing world and richer nations that can afford to purchase a variety of items. It is growing in popularity all over the world. In recent years, the process has risen by more than seventy percent. It used to be something that was only appealing to a certain group of people. Many were not even aware of it. Today, there are more than seven million people affected by the benefits.

Nobody is saying it is perfect. There are still issues and there might always be. Originally though, the products were only available from a small group of organizations that were concerned with ethical and ecological practices. There were only a few items available, as well. Most people know about the coffee issues and in the beginning, there were only some options available out of Nicaragua. In many cases, the coffee did not taste that great and was in no way comparable to less ethically produced coffee. The only people who purchased the products were political and religious activists. The demand for creating a better society has prompted the development of more practices and today items are available from all over developing nations.

Today, you can find these items even at the most run-of-the-mill supermarket. Some stores use this as a marketing technique and it works. One grocery store in the United Kingdom boasts that its bananas all fall into this category. The quality of the items has increased and in some cases, they are equal to gourmet style items. The market also includes cotton, wine, juice and fresh fruit now. It is one of the fast growing markets in grocery and textiles.

Other retailers are getting in on the action. They see the benefits and they know there is consumer demand. Like organics and other items that were once considered alternative, retailers realize customers want to feel good about the items they are purchasing. In addition to offering items such as sugar and produce from ethically traded situations, they are also trying to educate consumers.

Though there will always be arguments against movements, it is up to the consumer to really force a change in the world. If companies see that customers want items that were created and purchased ethically, they will go to the necessary lengths to accomplish this. They know they can charge a higher price, so it is a win-win situation for everyone. There are nearly 60 developing nations in the world and all of them have something to offer. Finding ethical ways to share the produce, craft items and other materials with the entire world is a benefit to everyone. The more interest there is; the more companies will work to grow the market and offer items to people all over the world, no matter how much time and effort it takes.

----------------------------------------------------
Stewart Wrighter recently purchased a couple of fair trade products for his wife and daughter. For more information about fair trade products go to

http://www.handmadeexpressions.net/ .

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=202689