Fairtrade Foundation: The End Of Traidcraft
By now you may have heard that Traidcraft plc, one of the pioneers of the fair trade movement, has ceased trading.
Our thoughts are with all affected producers, suppliers, Traidcraft staff and passionate supporters at this difficult time. The Fairtrade Foundation’s vital work to make global trade work for the most exploited farmers will continue.
And we will continue to work in partnership with other organisations that Traidcraft helped set up, including Transform Trade, Cafédirect and Shared Interest.
Traidcraft was a founding member of the Fairtrade Foundation. The success of Fairtrade, with over 4,500 products now available across all major UK retailers, is a part of their incredible legacy.
All fair traders and Traidcraft staff should be proud that their work has helped drive positive change in communities across the world.
Where can I get Fairtrade products now?
If you have previously bought from Traidcraft, whether to run a stall, to stock your business or for personal use, you can still get most of these products elsewhere. Visit our website to find out where you can get your favourite products <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295926?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> .
Wholesale: If you want to buy in bulk to stock a stall or shop, you can check out this list of wholesale providers <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295927?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> , maintained by volunteer fair traders.
Oxfam have recently launched a wholesale online fair trade shop <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295928?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> , while Ethical Superstore are currently offering a discount <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295929?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> to mark Fairtrade Fortnight.
Buy direct from Traidcraft suppliers: Traidcraft’s website helpfully lists many of the suppliers <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295930?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> they bought from, many of which also sell directly to customers.
Visit your local fair trade shop: Your local fair trade shop will be able to provide a wide range of fair trade items for personal use and you can talk to them about discounted or sale or return goods for stalls. You can find a list of BAFTS shop members on their website <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295931?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> .
How else can I campaign for fairer trade?
If the closure of Traidcraft makes it more difficult for you to sell Fairtrade goods, there’s still lots of ways you can stand up for fairer trade.
Fairtrade Fortnight is now in full swing. And we need as many people as possible spreading the word that making the simple switch to Fairtrade means a greener, fairer and more sustainable future for our favourite foods.
Visit our website to find ways to get involved <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295932?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> . If you are planning any events or activities in your area, our Fairtrade Fortnight Campaigner Toolkit <https://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/1904/6295933?email=%2FoQH3Pc8uUYW74CEhSYedNi7SBjRL51PURKQ3UxCEoI=&campid=N48ecobncs0UHgIT5m4sfA==> has lots of tools, resources and options to help you get the Fairtrade message out there.
We’re sorry to be sharing this disappointing news about a valued member of our Fairtrade family. But we are reassured by the knowledge that thousands of fair traders will continue to work to achieve our shared mission: a world with fairer trade and more power in the hands of farmers and workers.
Many thanks for all your support,
Stefan
Campaigns Team, Fairtrade Foundation