Ethical sales rise sharply in the UK – despite recession

The recession has not reversed the growth rate in ethical goods and services in the UK. The market was valued at £46.8 billion in 2011 in the recently released annual Ethical Consumerism Report by the Co-operative Bank, showing a growth rate of 9%. The growth in Fairtrade was particularly strong, where sales more than doubled to £1.3 billion in 2011.

Ethical choices about money also reflected an upward trend. £21.1 billion of ethical savings and investments were recorded for 2010, an increase of 9% on the previous year. 2011 figures are not yet available.

The report acts as a barometer of ethical spending in the UK, as it has been produced every year since 1999, when it valued the ethical market at £13.5 billion.
http://www.co-operative.coop/PageFiles/416561607/Ethical-Consumerism-Report-2011.pdf

The research defines ethical consumerism as “personal allocation of funds, including consumption and investment, where choice has been informed by a particular issue – be it human rights, social justice, the environment or animal welfare.”

Barry Clavin, sustainability reporting manager at the Co-operative, stated: “Ethical consumers are still a vitally important agent of change. However, the actions of progressive business are now a significant contributor to sales growth.”

Tanya Pein (co-Chair of EIA SG), writing in a personal capacity.
Investment specialist, advising charities and individuals, at In2 Consulting.