The ethical food suppliers traded on the fringes for many years. Some sectors such as free range eggs have become strongly established. However now many more segments have entered the mainstream foods sector. This has been marked by the extension of major brands and retailers into the sector. High growth rates in some sectors of the market have been a factor, indicating the level of interest garnered by products such as fairtrade foods and beverages.

The ethical food suppliers traded on the fringes for many years. Some sectors such as free range eggs have become strongly established. However now many more segments have entered the mainstream foods sector. This has been marked by the extension of major brands and retailers into the sector. High growth rates in some sectors of the market have been a factor, indicating the level of interest garnered by products such as fairtrade foods and beverages.

The extension of ethical product ranges has enabled consumers to purchase across a growing range of categories this in turn has driven further investment and interest in the sector. This spotlight has been important in developing sales but can the market become self sustaining in the longer term.