By the numbers: The benefits of fair trade to business

Empowerment. Economic viability. Social progress. Environmental sustainability. These four principles guide Fair Trade USA certification and they influence today’s buying behavior, adding up to big business. While mission melds with natural products industry business plans more than ever before, fair trade attracted conscious consumers early and continues to grow as buying that benefits others sells at the shelf.

5.5 billion

Estimated retail sales of Fairtrade International-certified products worldwide in 2013

9 in 10

Consumers who have seen the Fair Trade mark that trust it

182%

Growth in sales of fair trade herbs, herbal teas and spices from 2012 to 2013  

34% 

Amount of consumers that agree or strongly agree that fairly traded food and beverages are worth a little extra 

155 million pounds

Fair Trade Certified fresh produce imported in 2013