FAIR TRADE SALES GROWTH CONTINUES - There has been significant growth in the sales of products carrying the Fair Trade mark in Ireland in the last five years.
Peter Gaynor, the executive director of Fair Trade Ireland, said spending on Fair Trade products grew strongly last year, with major companies such as Bewleys doing up to 30% of their business with Fair Trade products. He said there were now 78 voluntary Fair Trade committees around Ireland.
Mr Gaynor said it was good business sense in itself to look after businesses in developing countries, but there were also thousands of consumers, as well as activists willing to promote such products.
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NEWS AND CURRENCIES - The board of food group Greencore has decided that it will not be making a new offer for UK company Northern Foods.
The two companies had announced merger plans in November, but Northern Foods withdrew its support in favour of a cash offer from businessman Ranjit Boparan.
Exploration and production company Tullow Oil has reported a big jump in profits for last year, helped by higher oil and gas prices.
The company said total sales revenue last year rose by almost 20% to just over $1 billion, while pre-tax profits more than quadrupled from 2009's $33m to $152m.
DCC has bought a UK-based distributor of electronic office supplies in a deal which could be worth up to €17.5m.
On the currency markets the euro is trading at $1.3892 and 86.01p sterling.
