We are pioneering the future of fair trade.
Traidcraft stands for changing peoples’ lives through trade, saving vanishing traditional skills from extinction, and celebrating a world of creativity and culture. We are the original fair trade pioneers, and advocate the importance of organic farming, sustainability, and transparency to the lives of growers and artisans around the world.
Since we were founded in 1979, Traidcraft has lead the way in proving that fair trade could work professionally. This movement of radical, church-based individuals began by importing goods directly from artisans and growers and distributing them directly to shoppers in the UK, cutting out the middlemen. The team collaborated with the growers and artisans throughout the process, and over time getting to know their needs, dreams, and their ambition. They were all partners – working together to show trade could be different, and could be fair. Fair trade was no longer about aid; it was a collaborative process of learning and trading simultaneously.
From the church stalls and markets the original team sold through, to independent shops and a website, Traidcraft has continued to grow. In 1992, Traidcraft co-founded the Fairtrade Foundation, and helped establish the standards that underpin today’s well-recognised Fairtrade Mark. Traidcraft set up their sister charity – Traidcraft Exchange – in 1986, and the charity has since worked to make sure the UK Government rules against the worst extremes of corporate abuse. In 2013, the activism of the Traidcraft campaigns team resulted in the government setting up an official Supermarket Watchdog, complete with the legal power to fine the supermarkets who pressured their suppliers into unethical situations.
Over the past 40 years, Traidcraft has pioneered the first fair trade chocolate, coffee, tea, fruit juice, wine, rice, honey, charcoal, rubber, palm oil… Almost everything we know today as fair trade began with Traidcraft.
And we’re not stopping there. Discover our full story and what’s coming next on our shop website.
Follow us on our journey, and we continue to pioneer the future of fair trade.