In 2023, the sales of Fairtrade products in Italy exceeded 500 million euros, marking a significant increase from previous years. Bananas, cocoa, sugar, and coffee were the top-selling Fairtrade products, with over 2,500 Fairtrade-branded items now available in Italy. This growth is a more significant trend as the demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products rises.

Fairtrade products, a common sight in supermarkets, are more than just items on a shelf. They are a testament to fair trade, ensuring a fair price for producers and their employees. More importantly, they are champions of environmental protection, a cause we all should be mindful of.

In 2023, Italians spent over 500 million euros on Fairtrade-branded products, with banana sales increasing by 8% compared to the previous year, totalling 14,300 tons. Cocoa, sugar, and coffee followed. After a decade of growth, cocoa saw a slight decline in 2023, with 9,649 tons (-1%), and sugar decreased by 7%, totalling 4,468 tons.

Italy, a key player in the global Fairtrade movement, offers over 30,000 Fairtrade-branded products worldwide. Over the past 30 years, Italy has been instrumental in consolidating supply chains and fostering partnerships with local companies. This commitment is evident in the 2,500 Fairtrade products currently available in Italy.

The outlook for 2024 is promising, as Thomas Zulian, Commercial Director of Fairtrade Italia, indicated. He notes, 'From a sales perspective, 2023 was a year of transition. While some products like coffee and sugar were affected by general volume declines due to inflation, others like bananas and cotton saw significant growth. We are pleased to see an increase in the number of companies we collaborate with and the number of certified references on the market. The positive effects of these two factors are already evident in the good results of the first half of 2024.