Sainsbury’s own-label tea to go Fairtrade

Sainsbury’s has announced today that its range of own-broad teas will be converted to Fairtrade.

The switchover, expected to be completed over the next three years, will make Sainsbury’s the largest retailer of Fairtrade tea in the UK, according to Justin King, ceo of the company. The first tea to be made Fairtrade is Sainsbury’s Red Label.

The tea move follows an earlier pledge by Sainsbury’s to make all of its bananas Fairtrade, which was completed this quarter.

King announced Sainsbury’s plans at the announcement of Sainsbury’s second quarter trading statement, which covers the 16 weeks to 6 October. Total sales for the retailer were up 4.7%, excluding fuel purchases. Like-for-like sales were up 3.1%, excluding fuel, which makes this the eleventh consecutive quarter that Sainsbury’s has enjoyed this growth.