The tables below give information about sales of Fairtrade-labelled coffee and bananas in 1999 and 2004 in five European countries.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
ME: millions of euros
99: the year 1999
04: the year 2004
Coffee Sales:
UK: 1.5 ME in 99, 20 ME in 04
Switzerland: 3 ME in 99, 6 ME in 04
Denmark: 1.8 ME in 99, 2 ME in 04
Belgium: 1 ME in 99, 1.7 ME in 04
Sweden: 0.8 ME in 99, 1 ME in 04
Banana Sales:
Switzerland: 15 ME in 99, 47 ME in 04
UK: 1 ME in 99, 5.5 ME in 04
Belgium: 0.6 ME in 99, 4 ME in 04
Sweden: 1.8 ME in 99, 1 ME in 04
Denmark: 2 ME in 99, 0.9 ME in 04
The tables provide data on sales of Fairtrade-labelled coffee and bananas in five European countries in 1999 and 2004, measured in millions of euros (ME).
In 1999, Switzerland stood out as the leading consumer of Fairtrade coffee, with 3 ME, followed by the UK and Denmark, each with approximately 1.5 ME and 1.8 ME, respectively. However, by 2004, there was a significant surge in coffee sales in the UK, soaring to 20 ME, surpassing all other countries. Switzerland’s consumption increased moderately to 6 ME, while Denmark and Belgium experienced slight declines to 2 ME and 1.7 ME, respectively. Sweden maintained a steady growth, reaching 1 ME in 2004.
Regarding Fairtrade bananas, Switzerland was the dominant consumer in 1999, accounting for 15 ME, while the UK and Denmark followed with 1 ME and 2 ME, respectively. By 2004, Switzerland’s banana consumption remarkably surged to 47 ME, maintaining its top position. The UK exhibited significant growth, reaching 5.5 ME, while Belgium and Sweden experienced notable increases to 4 ME and 1 ME, respectively. Denmark witnessed a substantial decline from 2 in 1999 to 0.9 ME in 2004.
In summary, the UK and Switzerland experienced significant growth in both Fairtrade coffee and banana sales in 1999 and 2004, with Switzerland maintaining its leading position in banana consumption. Meanwhile, Denmark’s coffee sales declined, and its banana consumption experienced a substantial drop. Belgium and Sweden showed notable progress in banana sales but only modest growth in coffee consumption during the same period.