Fairtrade Defies Crisis: Revenue in Austria Significantly Increased in 2024

Even record prices for coffee and cocoa did not curb demand. The turnover of Fairtrade products in Austria increased by 6.5 percent to 706 million euros last year. The main sales channel is domestic supermarkets. "That's what makes the strength here," said Fairtrade Austria CEO Hartwig Kirner to APA.

Around 2,600 products with the quality seal are sold in this country. Austria and the Netherlands are tied for second place worldwide in per capita consumption of Fairtrade products, behind Switzerland. The seal is awarded to products where small farmers and plantation workers receive a guaranteed minimum wage and better working conditions must prevail. Additionally, a Fairtrade premium is invested locally in educational and development projects, and sustainable agricultural production is to be created.

World Trade Back in Focus Due to Trump

The tariff conflict instigated by US President Donald Trump has brought the issue of world trade back into focus. "But fair trade cannot work like this," said the Fairtrade Austria CEO regarding US trade policy. The goal must be fairer trade conditions between industrial and developing countries. Agricultural producers, for example in Africa, must be helped to improve their living conditions.

In terms of quantity, there was a Fairtrade increase in Austria in 2024 for cocoa (+17 percent), bananas (+8.6 percent), rice (+6.2 percent), and raw coffee (+3.3 percent). The increase in cocoa quantity is mainly "due to new listings," said the Fairtrade Austria CEO. In this country, confectionery manufacturers such as Manner, Niemetz, and Heindl, as well as the private label chocolates of Spar, Billa, Hofer, and Lidl, rely on Fairtrade cocoa. The market share of certified chocolate bars was recently 11 percent in this country.

Austria: Fairtrade Sales Increased Despite Recession in 2024

The prices for cocoa, coffee, and orange juice reached a historic record level on the international commodity markets in 2024. Crop failures and speculation led to this historic price increase, according to the Fairtrade Austria CEO. The high commodity prices are now reaching the farmers, such as cocoa farmers in West Africa.

In gastronomy and hospitality, Fairtrade is still relatively rare in Austria. "Since the coronavirus pandemic, it has become even more difficult," said Kirner. Fairtrade coffee is available at bakeries such as Ströck and Anker, as well as at the bakery discounter Backwerk.

(APA/Red)

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