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Consumers worldwide spent a record $2.2 billion on Fair Trade Certified products in 2006, a 41 percent jump over the previous year.

That’s according to Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), which said the boost directly benefits more than 1.4 million producers and workers globally.

Worldwide sales of Fair Trade Certified cocoa soared 93 percent, while coffee sales were up 53 percent, tea also jumped 41 percent and bananas grew 31 percent.

The number of licensees – companies that sell final packaged Fair Trade Certified products – last year also shot up 24 percent to 1,954.

“Above all, consumers increasing demand for Fairtrade Products means that more farmers are able to sell more of the their produce under Fairtrade terms, strengthening their organizations, building long-term relationships and increasing benefits to their communities,” said Barbara Fiorito, FLO board chairperson.

FLO’s largest member, Oakland, Calif.-based TransFair USA said its certification records show that Fair Trade Certified product imports into the United States have grown at an average annual rate of 76 percent over the last five years, fueled by growth in coffee, cocoa and tea, as well as newer categories such as rice, sugar and vanilla.

U.S. sales last year of Fair Trade Certified coffee increased 31 percent to 65 million pounds, a 20 million pound increase from 2005.

Sales of certified-organic, Fair Trade Certified coffee in the United States soared by 94 percent, and the estimated overall value of Fair Trade Certified coffee reached $730 million.

There are about 700 U.S. companies now selling Fair Trade Certified products in approximately 40,000 retail locations nationwide.

TransFair USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified products and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing the goods were paid fair prices and wages.

The conversion on the buyer side is also rapidly changing the food and beverage landscape in both the retail and foodservice channels.

Global retailer and franchiser Dunkin Donuts adopted a policy of 100 percent Fairtrade espresso coffee in North America and Europe.

In September, Insomnia Coffee Company in Ireland announced that all coffee served in its outlets across the country would be Fairtrade Certified.

UK supermarket Sainsbury’s announced the conversion of its entire banana range to 100 per cent Fairtrade Certified last December.

But despite growing an average 40 percent annually over the last five years, the Fairtrade market still has plenty of room for expansion, FLO said in a statement.

FLO estimates that approximately 20 percent of the total production of Fairtrade Certified Producers is sold under Fairtrade terms.

The goal for FLO and its members, including its largest – TransFair USA, is to work to open new markets for producers to boost the percentages of their production under Fairtrade terms.

Other Fairtrade market highlights from nations around the world last year include:

Canada: During 2006, new Fairtrade Certified coffee, tea, sugar, and cocoa products were introduced into the major Canadian grocery chains, including Costco, Loblaws, and Sobey’s. Via Rail, Canada’s national rail service, brought Fairtrade Certified coast to coast with its commitment to serve exclusively Fair Trade Certified coffee.

Ireland: The new Irish Government, elected in June, has made a commitment to source Fairtrade goods where possible. Sales for Fairtrade Certified goods grew by 75 percent in Ireland in 2006.

Italy: Last year, new Fairtrade Certified Products, roses and jeans made out of Fairtrade Cotton, were launched in Italy.

Norway: In 2006, the Norwegian Fairtrade Labeling Initiative promoted Fairtrade through an ambitious art campaign. The project consisted of 33 sculptures of Fairtrade consumers which were placed in several supermarkets across the country. The campaign was very successful in raising awareness about Fairtrade among Norwegian consumers.

Switzerland: Fairtrade Certified Bananas continue to lead the market in Switzerland in 2006, representing 55 percent of the market share for bananas. Both Fairtrade Bananas and Roses were very successful with online shopping. Sales of products made out of Fairtrade Cotton, whose range was expanded, grew by 73 percent.

Sweden: Fairtrade sale volumes increased by 63 percent in Sweden, reaching a total value of *16 million. Fairtrade juice, sugar and wine were launched at Systembolaget, the Swedish state-owned monopoly shop for alcoholic beverages. During 2006 Scandic and Hilton hotels, one of Sweden’s major hotel chains, switched to 100 percent Fairtrade coffee. A new coffee chain concept was launched “Barista Fair Trade Coffee” that only serves Fairtrade Products whenever possible.

U.K.: Sales of Fairtrade Products in the United Kingdom rose to £293 million in 2006, a 46 percent increase over 2005. The Fairtrade Foundation hosted the first ever European Fairtrade Towns conference, opened by Richard Howitt MEP, European Parliament Spokesperson on Corporate Social Responsibility. Over 270 UK towns have received Fairtrade status.

U.S.: TransFair USA’s number of coffee licensees grew by 11 percent, tea imports grew by 22 ercentand Fair Trade Certified vanilla was launched in the United States. Also, Pennsylvania became America’s first Fair Trade Town, and major U.S retailers Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and Wild Oats Markets all supported Fair Trade Month 2006.

Fair Trade Certified is a market-based approach to sustainable development that helps farmers and workers in the global South benefit from international trade, while offering a way for consumers to know that their products were produced in a responsible manner.

Fair Trade Certified farmers are guaranteed a fair price for their crop, and learn how to compete in the global marketplace through direct, long-term contracts with international buyers.

Fair Trade Certified workers are guaranteed fair wages and safe working conditions. Fair Trade Certified producers are also paid an additional social premium for use on long-term community and business development projects, as voted on by the farmers and workers themselves.