Fair trade certified groceries snatching up retail dollars

OAKLAND, Calif. Across the United States, more and more grocery and drug stores are setting aside Fair Trade Certified products, reports have said, because the certification is a popular selling point lately.

More than 284 Fair Trade Certified products ranging from coffees and teas to chocolate, sugar, herbs and spices and fresh fruit have been launched in the United States this year, according to data from Chicago-based research company, Mintel.

Particular brands and especially premium products, such as Starbuck’s Fair Trade label and Hershey’s Dagoba chocolate candies, are distinctly known for the designation. Reports have said that sales of Fair Trade coffee in the United States grew to $730 million in 2006.

The demand for Fair Trade products has become so hot that big box retail chains such as Target, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart have taken note and announced their soon-to-launch lines. October has been designated at Fair Trade Month.