In turnabout, P&G now selling fair-trade coffee

JOHN NOLAN
Associated Press

CINCINNATI - After years of resistance, Procter & Gamble Co. on Monday began selling a line of "fair-trade" coffee, a more expensive variety intended to return more profits to growers.

Cincinnati-based P&G is selling the Mountain Moonlight brand online and by mail-order request as a part of its Millstone Signature Collection, the company's line of gourmet coffees. Millstone is sold in 10- to 12-ounce bags for about $6.99. The Moonlight version is available only in a 10-ounce size with a suggested retail price of $8.99.

Activists who have lobbied P&G at its annual meeting during the past two years and through shareholders' resolutions to join other companies that sell fair-trade certified coffee hailed P&G's decision as a milestone.

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