Generous : Marks and Sparks and Global Justice?

Marks and Sparks and Global Justice?

02 Feb 2006 by Paul Northup

Following research that has shown it that its shoppers want to be able to buy more Fairtrade products, Marks & Spencers are to launch a Fairtrade range of clothing as part of its “Behind the Label” initiative. More here.

This same M&S research showed that almost a third of its shoppers had put clothes back on the rails because of concerns about their origins. It also found 78% of shoppers wanted to know more about the way clothes were made, including use of chemicals and conditions in factories producing the goods.

M&S is already selling more and more products that carry the Fairtrade label. And last year it took the decision to sell only Fairtrade coffee and tea in its Café Revive coffee shops. (As the UK’s third largest chain of coffee shops, this decision made a big difference. The Fairtrade Foundation estimate that out-of-home sales of Fairtrade coffee and tea will grow by 23 and 11 per cent respectively because of this move.)

From March 2006 M&S will be the first major high street retailer to sell men’s and women’s t-shirts and socks made entirely from Fairtrade cotton. In addition, M&S says it always aims to trade fairly with our UK suppliers too and offer our UK dairy farmers a guaranteed price for their milk for every six month period so they can plan their businesses more effectively.

M&S Chief Executive Mr Rose says customers are thinking more about ethical issues and this move is just part of the company’s “Look Behind The Label” campaign, which aims to inform shoppers of the way the group sources its products. This campaign also highlights moves to cut salt and fat in M&S foods, recycle packaging and protect animal welfare. Go here for more.

The move comes as UK consumers are showing an increasing appetite for fairtrade products. Last year, figures released by the Fairtrade Foundation showed sales of ethical products grew by more than 50% during 2004. “Customers want good value, but they care more than ever how food and clothing products are made,” said M&S chief executive Stuart Rose.

More here on the story from the BBC.