The campaign to make Scotland a Fair Trade Nation was recently given a boost in Scotland by research showing that Scots are more clued up on Fair Trade products than the rest of the UK.
A recent survey shows that 81% of Scottish people polled were aware of Fair Trade products, above the UK average of 77% who are aware of the Fairtrade Mark. This will come as promising news to businesses investing in Fair Trade products as the commercial basis of Fair Trade is further strengthened. Figures show that 28% of Scots now buy Fair Trade products at least once a week and 59% of Scots purchase Fair Trade at least once a month.
The survey also shows that even in difficult economic circumstances, Fair Trade is growing in popularity in Scotland as 40% are buying more Fair Trade products compared to twelve months ago. Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum welcomed the survey’s findings: “The recent poll results are testament to a growing awareness of Fair Trade in Scotland and a real boost to Scotland’s bid to become a Fair Trade Nation.”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop was delighted with the news:
"It is very encouraging to see that the Scottish Government’s commitment to promoting the fair trade agenda is capturing the imagination of Scottish consumers.  “As a nation we are renowned for our work with developing countries and for helping others to build themselves a better future.  The Fairtrade Mark fits very well into our compassion for equality.  The importance of this to modern Scots is reflected in the fact that each of our six cities have Fairtrade status, nine universities and 41 towns are Fairtrade and just over 800 schools are registered on the Fairtrade Schools scheme.  “I look forward to building on this momentum and announcing Scotland as a Fair trade Nation in 2012.“

The Scottish Fair Trade Forum is Scotland’s national campaigning group for Fair Trade. If you would like to help out or get more information on the campaign please visit http://www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk/news/countdown/