• UK sales of products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark reached an estimated retail value in excess of £700m in 2008, bucking the global downturn with a 43% increase over 2007.

• Almost 18 million UK families bought Fairtrade goods in 2008, over 70% of households bought Fairtrade goods in 2008 (up from 66.7% in 2007).

• During Fairtrade Fortnight, an estimated 11,000 separate campaigner events were held, ranging from coffee mornings to fashion shows and regional debates by Fairtrade Towns, Churches and Schools around the UK.

Despite evidence for growing consumer support, the origins of Fairtrade and the wider Fair Trade movement remain largely overlooked.

The aim of this research is to provide the first comprehensive account of the development of Fair Trade in modern Britain. The research is based on a wide range of archive sources including: The Co-operative and ICA, TUC, Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD, New Consumer, Ethical Consumer Research Association, Traidcraft, Twin Trading and the Fairtrade Foundation.

Key research questions include:

 

How has the politics of consumption shaped the alternative trading ideals of the Fair Trade movement? What are the implications of a strategy that is 'in and against the market'?Is the rapid expansion of Fairtrade sales undermining its founding values?On what basis can Fairtrade certification justify its legitimacy?