Fairtrade sales rise in UK as retailers back fair pay

Fairtrade sales in the United Kingdom saw significant growth in 2025. Coffee sales increased by seven per cent, representing approximately 138 million additional cups compared to 2024. Other notable increases included tea sales rising by 35 per cent, cocoa by an estimated 20 per cent, and flower sales by 41 per cent.

Retailers Co-op and Lidl have joined the Fairtrade Foundation in calling for stronger actions regarding fair pay for farmers. The Foundation warned that low incomes hinder producers' ability to invest in climate change resilience, a concern shared by 84 per cent of British adults according to recent research.

In the wine sector, Co-op is refreshing its Fairtrade wine range, including South African Chenin and Shiraz. In 2025, Co-op sourced 15.3 million litres of Fairtrade wine, generating over £680,000 in Fairtrade Premium for producers in South Africa, Argentina, and Chile to fund social and sustainability projects.