Switzerland: fair trade on the up

In 2016, the Swiss bought fair trade products worth 628 million francs. At 75 Francs, the per capita spend was the highest so far. This means that small producers received, in addition to fair prices, around 10 million dollars in  fair trade premiums. 25 years after its launch, the Max Havelaar Foundation is now managed by Andreas Jiménez.

Sustainable consumption in Switzerland is flourishing: never before have the Swiss people set such great store by fair trade products. The 628 million Swiss francs in 2016 equate to growth of 20.7% compared with the previous year. There has been significant growth in the sale of cocoa, coffee and fruit juices. The sale of bananas was also a record, although they are no longer the best seller among fair trade products. In the lead for the first time in the ranking are combination foods like dairy products, bakery goods and ice tea.

When in 2012 the Max Havelaar Foundation set itself the target of raising the annual per capita consumption of fairly traded products in Switzerland to 100 francs, it seemed utopian. With the figure having risen from nearly 50 to 75 francs in just 5 years, 100 Swiss francs is now surely within their grasp.