UK supermarket chain Waitrose has plans to extend its commitment of using the Fairtrade logo on all of its 46 own-label tea products by October.

Fairtrade symbolises that tea farmers are benefiting from good working conditions, a fair deal, and funds to spend on their local community.

Around 43 of Waitrose's own label tea products currently carry the logo.

The company's commercial director Rupert Thomas said: “We’re proud supporters of the Fairtrade Foundation and have seen first-hand their strong track record of supporting farmers who most need it.

“We’ve found that our customers are extremely loyal towards Fairtrade products and appreciate our long-standing and continued commitment. It highlights the investment in and support for the people, communities, and businesses that produce our food.”

"We’ve found that our customers are extremely loyal towards Fairtrade products and appreciate our long-standing and continued commitment."

The Fairtrade Foundation tea supply chain manager Emma Mullins said: “This move means all Waitrose’s own label black and green tea will be 100% Fairtrade.

“This is fantastic news that will help improve the lives of some of the poorest tea farmers in China, who have previously invested their Fairtrade Premium in schools, sanitation, and tea quality and productivity projects, benefiting farmers and the wider community.”

The British retailer currently stocks 250 Fairtrade-certified products.

All of its own-label speciality sugars carry the logo, along with majority of its own-label block chocolate.