A History of Fair Trade in Contemporary Britain From Civil Society Campaigns to Corporate Compliance

Fairtrade products have become a common sight in supermarkets, churches and workplaces across Britain. Over seventy per cent of the British public now recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark, but how much is really known about Fairtrade or the wider Fair Trade movement? This book argues that, to date, Fair Trade has too often been discussed in an historical vacuum, resulting in one-dimensional assessments of its strengths and weaknesses.

This book provides the first comprehensive account of the growth of Fair Trade in contemporary Britain. While acknowledging the consumer at the heart of the Fair Trade movement, this research develops a framework that explores a more nuanced approach to understanding ethical consumerism. In adopting a methodology that looks beyond the 'ethical shopping trolley', there is an opportunity to examine the role of non-governmental organizations, religious groups, alternative trade organisations, co-operatives and supermarkets in promoting the growth of Fair Trade.

Dr Matthew Anderson has worked on Fair Trade projects with a range of stakeholders including the Fairtrade Foundation, the Co-operative and Divine Chocolate. His research interests focus on the intersection between civil society organisations and business, and he teaches on several courses in the areas of organisational behaviour, human resource management and research methods. His primary teaching responsibility is the coordination of a new unit on Leadership, Ethics, Governance and Sustainability.

1. Oxfam: 'Helping by Selling': Charity, Trade and Advocacy
2. Christian Ethics and Economics: Voluntary Organisations and Alternative Trade
3. The Co-operative Difference: Co-operation Among Co-operatives?
4. International Trade Unionism: Labour Solidarity?
5. Ethical Consumerism: 'Shopping For A Better World'