• MOZI opens fourth store
• Visual merchandising focus of new competition
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• MOZI opens fourth store
• Cardboard box inspired toy wins award
• Gymboree opens new store in Sydney's Westfield Eastgardens
• Visual merchandising focus of new competition
• Eco-friendly crockery range to be extended

• Reed launches boutique trade event
• Fairtrade savvy shoppers on the rise, says survey
• Ex-Life Instyle founder launches new fashion show
• Life Instyle returns for 2011
• 3Fish wins at United Nations environment day awards

Fairtrade products tipped to be popular at forthcoming Sydney trade fairs

[Wed 16/02/2011 09:37:40]

With sales of Fairtrade products tripling in just 12 months to $120 million in 2010 as Australian shoppers support this ethical breed of merchandise, Fairtrade Certified products are expected to be winners in this week’s forthcoming Sydney trade fairs.

Australia continues to be one of the world’s fastest growing markets for Fairtrade Certified products, Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand (Fairtrade ANZ) announced late last week.

Fairtrade ANZ chief executive officer Stephen Knapp said the outstanding sales growth was matched by a significant jump in Australian consumer awareness of the Fairtrade label, rising from 23 per cent in September 2009 to 37 per cent in November 2010 according to figures certified by Mobium Group.

“Across the country, more and more Aussie shoppers and businesses are making the swap to Fairtrade Certified products in the knowledge that they are helping developing country farmers and workers build a better future for their families and communities,” Knapp said.

“Making the swap to Fairtrade became even easier for Aussies in the last year with the number of Australian businesses licensed to use the Fairtrade label on their products rising to almost 200.”

While 2010 saw chocolate rise to first place and overtake coffee as Australia’s top selling Fairtrade Certified product with sales soaring a huge 1,500 per cent, the trend has extended to other giftware, homewares and clothing categories with Fairtrade Certified cotton garments also rising in popularity.

Exhibiting at the forthcoming Life Instyle trade fair held from February 17 to 20 at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, 3Fish is one such company that has caught onto the trend, stocking fashionable cotton lines manufactured using Fairtrade Certified cotton.

“Rapidly gaining a reputation for great cuts, fabric, finish and fit, 3Fish’s range of 100 per cent Fairtrade Certified organic cotton, carbon neutral wardrobe basics is setting a new benchmark for affordable, everyday wear,” says Natalie Dillon of 3Fish.

“Heralding the new era of sustainable, informed consumerism, 3Fish tees are being embraced on High Streets around Australia by thinkers, doers, or people who just want a great tee.”