Fairtrade-certified coffee sales in the United Kingdom increased by seven percent in 2025, according to new figures from the Fairtrade Foundation's annual report. The growth, equivalent to an additional 138 million cups, comes as the industry grapples with the dual pressures of climate change and the need for fair producer compensation.
The report details a broader trend of rising consumer demand for certified products. Alongside coffee, UK sales of Fairtrade tea grew by 35 percent, cocoa by an estimated 20 percent, and flowers by 41 percent compared to 2024 figures. This market behavior is supported by recent research commissioned by the foundation, which found that 84 percent of British adults are concerned about climate change's impact on food supplies.
Industry advocates argue that this growth in demand must be matched by stronger business commitments to fair pricing. The Fairtrade Foundation warns that low incomes limit producers' capacity to invest in essential climate adaptation measures, such as improved irrigation, soil restoration, and crop diversification. The report's release coincided with an industry event highlighting retailer initiatives aimed at providing farmers with payments closer to a living income.