People Power

Sales of Fairtrade products rose by 40% this year. No wonder supermarkets are replacing price with ecology as the new selling point for winning loyalty ( In yesterday's Guardian). A good example of how consumers can make even the biggest companies change if they tell them forcefully enough. Imagine the possibilties for a supermarket that had set the agenda instead of echoing the trend when it became too big too ignore.Full article here

The big chains all want to be green grocers - but it's nothing to do with that inquiry

Ecology replaces price as the selling point that aims to win shopper's loyalty

Julia Finch, city editor
Thursday May 18, 2006
The Guardian

For years the supermarket's main battleground has been price: "every little helps", "everyday low prices", "value to shout about" and "Asda price" have been their cries. But in recent months they have found a new territory to tussle over: the environment.

All the big chains are engaged in a battle to prove their green credentials and portray themselves as caring, sharing protectors of the planet. Last week Tesco unveiled a 10-point plan to change the image of the monster grocer into that of a "good neighbour". Items ranged from sponsoring mass running and walking events to erecting wind turbines on store roofs.