The Co-op has reported major increases of Fairtrade fresh produce sales in the run up to Fairtrade Fortnight.
The convenience supermarket, which is a major supporter of Fairtrade, said sales of standard packs of bananas rose by 240 per cent year on year in the week leading up to this week's Fairtrade Fortnight.
There was an even larger increase in sales of Faitrade tomatoes, which rose 320 per cent, while roses went up 170 per cent.
The Co-op pointed out that it is the only UK retailer to stock a Fairtrade tomato, and given the early sales success, it is on course to increase its tomato sales tenfold over the fortnight.
The retailer's sustainable sourcing and Fairtrade manager Sarah Wakefield said: “This Fairtrade Fortnight we’re calling on shoppers to pledge to purchase more Fairtrade products, so it’s really great to see that roses, bananas and tomatoes have seen such significant sales spikes already.”
