Bulletin WIN AN OR GAN IC H AM P ER!
T H E FA I R T R A D E F I G H T I S FA R F R O M O V E R
AUTUMN/WINTER PREVIEW
T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K
SUMMER SALE
AUG 2020
in this issue...
12-13
3-5 INTRO PAGES 6-9
10 11
T RAIDCRAFT BEHIND THE SCENES: WE'RE EMBRACING THE STAY-CATION!
WIN A FAIR TRADE HAMPER!
AUTUMN/WINTER 2020
14-15
12-13 T HE FAIRTRADE FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER 14-15 ZAYTOUN #THISISNOTCOUSCOUS 16 S PICY GREEN MAFTOUL RECIPE BY SAMI TAMIMI 18-19 P RODUCT UPDATE & AUTUMN/ WINTER PREVIEW
18-19
20-23 SUMMER SALE 24-27 T RAIDCRAFT: INSPIRING A FAIR TRADE REVOLUTION
2
28-30
T RAIDCRAFT EXCHANGE UPDATE
31
F AIR TRADE CHEESE, TOMATO AND CHILLI TART RECIPE
traidcraftshop.co.uk
24-27
Welcome Hello everyone, We hope you are well and that you’re adjusting to your ‘new normal’, whatever that may look like. Everyone’s ‘new normal’ seems to be different, but Government guidelines regarding things we can and can’t do seem to be decreasing rapidly in pace, giving us all a chance to gradually readjust. Things are certainly getting closer to ‘normal’ here at Traidcraft, with less people working from home and more opportunity to catch up with our colleagues and friends face to face – albeit from metres apart! This is also the first month for a long time that all four of us have been in our
Customer Services office together – we certainly have lots to catch up on over a cuppa or two. You might have already had chance to have a look at our huge summer sale – but if not, our top picks are on page 20. The team have added almost 100 lines to the sale, with discounts of up to 60% off – so there really is no better time to grab a bargain! We’re sure you’ll be pleased to hear that Matt has recently returned from furlough, so you’ll be hearing from him in next month’s Bulletin. It’s been wonderful that we’ve been able to keep you updated on all things Traidcraft over the past few months, but from September onwards, it’ll be Matt you’ll be hearing from in these introductions. It’s been a pleasure filling in! Take care, Sharon, Helen, Maureen and Steve
Dates for Your Diaries! Virtual Roadshows 16th and 23rd September (via webinar ) SIGN UP HERE
Braving the Shave! Last month, our wonderful colleague and friend, Andrea, braved the shave in aid of a cancer charity close to her heart. She has raised a total of £1,600 for her chosen charity. Well done Andrea! "I'm doing this for Stacey, mother of four, who has terminal cancer aged 36. My mum died of cancer at age of 47, when I was just 17. Cancer effects everyone in some way at some point so if we can help ease the hurt then we should. I look good don't I?" - Andrea
Matt’s Webinar 13th August 11am JOIN HERE
13th August 6pm repeat JOIN HERE
traidcraftshop.co.uk
3
Did You Spot Us? Food Heaven Magazine shared their fun and simple recipe for coffee cookies… and our instant coffee made the cut! Want to make these cookies yourselves? SEE THE RECIPE HERE
Mmm-eru Recipes! Our friends over at JTS have been making our mouths water this week, showcasing a huge range of dishes you can make using Meru Sauces, over on their site. Check out their cheese, tomato and chilli tart recipe on page 31 of your monthly Bulletin. For more ways to use your favourite Meru Sauces, see www.jts.co.uk/recipes SHOP MERU SAUCES
4
traidcraftshop.co.uk
Birthday Baking Our fair trade rainbow cake recipe has to be one of our most popular yet! This month, we’re sharing Susan Jacobs epic attempt – which we must say looks absolutely incredible. If you’ve been baking at home, why not give it a try? SEE THE RECIPE HERE
As we all adjust to our 'new normals', it's important to remember the lessons we've learnt over the past few months. This poem is a little reminder of that.
traidcraftshop.co.uk
5
TRAIDCRAFT BEHIND THE SCENES
We’re embracing the stay-cation!
It’s been a busy (and pretty unusual to say the least!) few months here at Traidcraft. As things begin to regain a little bit of normality, we’re chatting all things stay-cation here in the office and we’ve been amazed at some of the beautiful places we’ve discovered right on our doorsteps
Picture from Traidcraft's Alex
“When we have a free Sunday, we like to go up to Bamburgh beach in Northumberland. We get up early to get there when everything is quiet and our son, Douglas, enjoys climbing on the rocks and looking for crabs, building sandcastles and dipping his toes in the sea. We then head back to the car for a picnic and he sleeps all the way home!” - Eve 6
traidcraftshop.co.uk
“This year I’m embracing the stay-cation vibe and spending the summer holidays with my little boy and husband, holidaying in the UK! We’ve just got back from a trip up to Northumberland where we explored Cragside National Trust property and the beautiful floral display in its gardens. We went on to enjoy the deserted beaches of Holy Island and watched the seals and sunset over the Farne Islands. It’s made me realise just how much beauty we have on our doorsteps here in the UK!” - Jo
“It's been a busy time for me and my fiancé, but now summer is here, we plan to take our two greyhounds out on plenty of walks while the weather is nice and sunny. We love exploring our local area and taking day trips to the likes of Plessey Woods, a Country Park in Northumberland with 100 acres of woodland and meadows with nature trails and picnic areas - we always manage to find something new while we're there!” - Liam
“Lockdown gave me lots of time to be creative and take time out to do one of my favourite hobbies, which I haven't done in years. I've taken up painting again and have painted everything from the ocean, to lavender fields. I've also bought my first house and started renovating it; as the dust settles, I can bring out the beautiful Traidcraft homeware pieces I have bought. Traidcraft baskets are perfect for storing wooden logs or blankets.” - Rio
“We’ve recently come back from a stay-cation. We stayed in a lovely cottage in Breamish Valley, just outside Alnwick. Northumberland can match anywhere in the UK for its beauty spots.” - Alex
We’d love to know what you’re up to this summer! Are you embracing the stay-cation? If so, where are your top picks to visit in the UK? Let us know on social@traidcraft.co.uk.
traidcraftshop.co.uk
7
Stay-cation Essentials! FROM TRAIDCRAFT THE STAY AT HOME SPA WEEKEND
aaaand relax... WHAT YOU’LL NEED
A
100% UNBLEACHED ORGANIC COTTON
Organic and Fair Trade Towel Dressing Gown 46540 (S/M) £69 67526 (L/XL) £69
Organic and Fair Trade Towels
SALE
B
A. Peony & Sweet Pea Damask Leaf Candle 10cm Hurricane 54314 £19.99 NOW £12.99 B. Peony & Sweet Pea Damask Leaf Candle 10cm Recessed 54440 £30 NOW £19.50
P lastic-free
Hand Towel 57924 £10 Bath Towel 57936 £22
SALE
100% Organic Cotton
Plant-Based Lavender & Rosemary Plastic-Free Shampoo Bar 51034 £4.99 Maroma Face Wash Neroli 150g 54556 £24.95 NOW £19.50
8
traidcraftshop.co.uk
Plant-Based Lime & Lemon Plastic-Free Shampoo Bar 51112 £4.99
THE DAY TRIPPER
off we go!
VE
GAN
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
SALE Rattan Over The Shoulder Bag (20 x 7cm). 51458 £34.99
Hand-embroidered Zip Purse with Embroidered Animal Design (15 x 12cm) 56532 £14.95 Calypso Apple Juice 54052 (27 x 200ml) £18.90 Calypso Orange Juice 62158 (27 x 200ml) £18.90
Liberation Chilli and Lime Cashews, Peanuts & Corn 41002 (2 x 90g) £3.60 (Min order two). 26938 (10 x 90g) £16
Thought Mariko Coat 46682 Size 14 £120.00 NOW £72.00
THE GARDEN GATHERING
Your place or ours? WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Hand-painted Rainbow Cup & Saucer 51626 £12.95
Teal Velvet Recycled Star Light with LEDs (65cm dia. Requires batteries) 55602 £17.95 London Tea Company Pure Peppermint Tea 59812 Single £2.20 60812 Case £11.88 Marble and Wood Serving Board (42 x 16cm) 50854 £30
Recycled Glass Water Carafe (H16.5cm) 29614 £15 traidcraftshop.co.uk
9
CO MP ETI TIO
TIM
W IN AN Organic HA M PE R
This month, we’re giving you the opportunity to get your hands on one of our highly-coveted Organic hampers!
H OW D O I E N T E R ? To be in with a chance of winning, simply tag us on Facebook or Instagram with a picture of your favourite fair trade item/items in your home, with the hashtag #fairtradeathome. Closing date: 28th August 2020.
For full terms and conditions, see our Ts&Cs page
10 traidcraftshop.co.uk
N
#FAIRTRADEATHOME
E!
INCL UD E S A FA IR T R A D E B A SK E T !
Autumn/Winter 2020 Date for your diaries – our eagerly anticipated autumn / winter 2020 catalogue will be dropping on doormats up and down the country from the 9th September.
Autumn/ Winter
FRONT COVER P R E V I E W!
2020
With hundreds of new lines from Thought clothing, VENT for Change stationery, Shared Earth, Pachamama, Namaste, Cycle of Good, Earth Squared, as well as many new and exciting Traidcraft own-brand products, this is our biggest and best range to date.
TRAIDCRAFTSHO
P. C O . U K
REQUEST YOURS NOW
traidcraftshop.co.uk
11
DOWNLOAD PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION
THE FAIRTRADE FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER THOUGHTS FROM ROBIN ROTH Fairtrade is going through some difficult times. Nestle’s announcement that it would be switching off its Fairtrade certification in favour of Rainforest Alliance this autumn came as a huge blow to many.
I
t will be especially hard felt by those farmers in the Ivory Coast who have benefited from additional premiums and secure prices over the past 10 years. A number of Traidcraft supporters have written to me recently expressing their frustration that the Fairtrade message is slowly and surely being eroded. I agree wholeheartedly. Joe Osman’s book ‘Traidcraft: Inspiring a Fair Trade Revolution’ is a good read for times like these. Joe worked at Traidcraft for over 35 years and was involved in nearly every major development over that period. Well before the phrase “fair trade” was even invented and back in the days when it was all about “alternative marketing”, Joe had his hand on the tiller, and helped guide the movement towards more structure and clearer goals as well as helping introduce the first coffees, teas and chocolates to the UK market. His book is available at the end of August and if you really want to know about the early 12 traidcraftshop.co.uk
trajectory of this revolutionary movement, I can only recommend you get a copy. “Revolutionary” is a strong word to use, but I think it fits the bill. Back in the 1970s international business was beginning to expand at an incredible rate. The world economy is five times bigger today than it was back then and as barriers to trade began to fall, and as goods began to flow more easily, the power of the world’s biggest traders grew in equal measure. They ruthlessly expanded their reach and their power over the many, poorly organised farming communities in developing countries that supply our daily basics. When early fair traders suggested that farmers be paid a proper price for their products, the big boys just shrugged their shoulders and carried on. It was an extraordinary victory for the Fairtrade movement when many of these companies were eventually forced to accept that decent pay, decent terms of trade and long-term investment in their suppliers was something they could no longer ignore. Consumers, counterintuitively, were willing to pay more if the conditions were right.
Development Minister, Gerd Müller, put it; “I’ve seen it all. The misery. The filth. The child labour. I know what I’m talking about.” Companies who have had the opportunity to sign up to a voluntary code of conduct in the last few years, and who generally decided not to, are in uproar. Predictably so.
WHEN EARLY FAIR TRADERS One by one the big boys started to yield and in the early 2000s, Fairtrade “convinced” one significant brand after another to adopt fair trade practices. We all knew, of course, that these businesses were responding to market need, not to a deep-rooted desire to change their operations, but it was heady stuff. And today? More and more businesses are opting for Rainforest Alliance. Rainforest’s standards are significantly less onerous than Fairtrade’s and the costs are correspondingly lower. Consumers don’t necessarily understand the difference and often assume that they are more or less the same. They are not. Fairtrade is co-owned by producers, Rainforest is a system designed by industry, for industry. Producers certainly understand the difference and they are not happy. One of Traidcraft’s greatest successes was the campaign run by our sister charity, Traidcraft Exchange, in the early 2000s that led to the creation of the Grocery Code Adjudicator. This body was set up, under pressure, to ensure “that regulated retailers treat their direct suppliers lawfully and fairly.” It is hard to believe that such an organ didn’t officially exist until a few years ago, and no doubt would still be just a crazy dream had not Traidcraft and its many supporters campaigned and fought for it. I recently learnt that the German Government is going a step further. This autumn, they intend to introduce a law that will require companies to make sure that their supply chains are not involved in any human rights abuses. As the
SUGGESTED THAT FARMERS BE PAID A PROPER PRICE FOR THEIR PRODUCTS, THE BIG BOYS JUST SHRUGGED THEIR SHOULDERS AND CARRIED ON. For any change to happen, concerned citizens need to raise their voices. If they do not, nothing changes. Voluntary schemes like Fairtrade provide a fantastic incentive for companies to respond and they can be rewarded or punished by the market as a result. But sometimes we need to look to the law giver to enshrine certain standards as an obligation. We are entering a febrile new period as Brexit becomes a reality. This Government has officially stated that it intends, “to maintain our high standards for consumers, employees, the environment and animal welfare.” It is easy to be cynical, but being so serves no purpose. We need to ensure that just as we continue to support brands and certification schemes that do it right, we also need to make it clear that Britain, whatever it looks like after Brexit, doesn’t do a KitKat and go for the cheaper option. The Fairtrade fight is far from over, it’s just moving to another battle ground. WFTO Principle no 9 is “Promoting Fair Trade.” We need to do it in action and word, both through our purchasing and through our civil engagement. traidcraftshop.co.uk
13
DISCOVER MAFTOUL, THE ICONIC ORGANIC PALESTINIAN GIANT COUSCOUS LOVED BY TOP UK CHEFS
#THISISNOTCOUSCOUS Delicious in salads, risottos and pilafs, the maftoul pearls are skilfully rolled by hand for a satisfying texture and a nutty, moreish flavour.
Photo by Nik Pickard
The month of July signals the end of the wheat harvest in Palestine and the start of an age-long tradition of handrolling bulgur with whole wheat flour and water to produce the iconic Palestinian giant couscous: maftoul. To celebrate this season, we invite you to get creative in the kitchen with this versatile grain: use your own recipes or head over to our social media channels for recipe inspiration. TO PARTICIPATE: • Post images of your creations on social media • Share Zaytoun’s campaign post and recipes • Tag @ZaytounUK on Facebook and @ Zaytoun_CIC on Instagram and Twitter • Use the campaign hashtags: #ThisIsNotCouscous #Maftoul • L ook out for recipes and competitions until the end of Organic September #OrganicSeptember 14 traidcraftshop.co.uk
UNIQUE TO PALESTINE Maftoul is hand-rolled by women who get together after the harvest to crack, hand-roll and dry the large grains in the abundant Palestinian sunshine, just as their grandmothers have done for generations. While other forms of giant couscous are to be found in the Levant, they predominantly use semolina. Zaytoun sources Maftoul made from bulgur wheat, producing a flavour and texture profile that is unique to Palestine. Maftoul is an Arabic word derived from the root “fa-ta-la” which means to roll or to twist. This traditional grain takes time and skill to make yet cooks in just 12 minutes. The resulting ‘bite’ and nutty, earthy flavour of the maftoul pearls make it a delicious alternative to other grains as either a main dish or a hearty accompaniment.
Grown on family owned lands using regenerative farming practices, wheat is key to Palestinian food sovereignty, a source of food security and was the dominant grain in Palestinian kitchens for centuries. For women’s co-operatives in rural Palestine maftoul production provides a sustainable source of income. Bassema Barahmeh, a coordinator at Anza village women’s co-operative, spoke of her pride in her work: “As a Palestinian woman, I transfer these traditions to the next generation of women in order to preserve Palestinian culture and connect them with their heritage, and also to offer them the chance to be future leaders in the community”. The time and skilled artisanship required to create these delicious pearls means that maftoul is a dish traditionally reserved for wedding banquets and special family feasts.
A GREAT TASTE AWARD WINNER In 2017, Zaytoun’s giant couscous maftoul was awarded a prestigious Great Taste Award. The Great Taste judges commended the high quality, describing it as: “Visually appealing, plump pearls of grain. The aroma is deeply earthy and smells of goodness. On eating, the grains retain a welcome bite…it has a simple but complex flavour and is very, very tasty.”
HOW TO FREESTYLE A MAFTOUL SALAD Maftoul is a versatile grain and a great way to zhuzh up your summer salads. Simply add some salad leaves and herbs to a bowl of cooked maftoul, pop in some roasted tomatoes, drizzle with dressing and top with grilled haloumi, roast chicken or crispy tofu for a meal full of texture and flavour. Our illustrated guide has lots of suggestions and for more ideas follow the campaign hashtag #ThisIsNotCouscous.
traidcraftshop.co.uk
15
SPICY GREEN MAFTOUL RECIPE BY SAMI TAMIMI We’re delighted to share a new recipe for maftoul from Sami Tamimi, the chef and author of Palestinian cookbook Falastin. His recipe for a Spicy Green Maftoul below celebrates the nutty ‘pearls’, and with its sharp, lemony, herby flavours, it’s the perfect summer salad to accompany oily fish, roast chicken and any grilled vegetables or meat straight off the barbeque. INGREDIENTS 200g maftoul 350ml boiling water or vegetable stock 4 spring onions, finely sliced (120g) 1 tbsp olive oil 60g pistachios, toasted & roughly chopped
Photo by Diana Chaccour
¼ tsp Aleppo chilli flakes
METHOD
1½ tsp nigella seeds
1. Rinse the maftoul under cold water and place in a medium saucepan with the water or stock. Bring to a boil and simmer over a low heat for 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat, pop the lid on and let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the maftoul to absorb all the liquids.
1 fresh green chilli, thinly sliced 50g kale, shredded (the kale can be replaced with lamb’s lettuce or tenderstem broccoli). HERB DRESSING 20g flat-leaf parsley 20g coriander 50g dill 50g mint 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp ground cumin 100ml olive oil 16 traidcraftshop.co.uk
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium pan, add the sliced spring onions and cook, stirring regularly for 2-3 minutes or until the onion has
softened. Move the onions to a small bowl or plate and leave to cool slightly. 3. Place all the dressing ingredients in a food processor and blitz until you have a lovely smooth paste. 4. Toss the herb dressing with the maftoul, before adding the spring onions, pistachios, spices, chilli, ¾ tsp of salt and a good grind of black pepper. Finally add the shredded kale and gently mix to combine before serving.
Bundles ZAYTOUN
Great
GIFT IDEA
A
Are you searching for some cooking inspiration this summer? Perhaps you’re hoping to host a socially distanced garden party with some interesting and unique foods to share with friends and family. Look no further than these magnificent bundles from Zaytoun. Which one will you choose? B
A. The Zaytoun Collection This is the quintessential Zaytoun box of your favourite Palestinian products. Awardwinning and Organic goodies aplenty! B. The Zaytoun Collection with Falastin Cookbook A delightful collection of award-winning Zaytoun products together with the groundbreaking and modern cookbook, Falastin, from Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley. Written as a love letter to Palestine and its people, this is an evocative cookbook with over 110 unforgettable recipes written for the busy home cook and stories that will make you want to find out more.
C
D
C. The Zaytoun Collection with Zaitoun Cookbook In Zaitoun, activist and cookbook writer, Yasmin Khan, shares recipes and stories from her travels through Palestine including harvesting olives from the groves of Burquin and learning to hand-roll maftoul in the home kitchens in Jenin. D. The Zaytoun Collection with Baladi Cookbook BALADI: Palestine - A Celebration of Food from Land and Sea showcases the wide ranging, vibrant, mouth-watering dishes of Palestine. Accompanied by a gourmet range of Palestinian products from Zaytoun.
traidcraftshop.co.uk
17
Product Update
from Kirsty & Lizy EXCLUSIVE VIP
Autumn/Winter Preview Our catalogue drops early next month, but we think as a loyal subscriber to our Bulletin, you should have an exclusive preview of what’s in store. Shh… this is for your eyes only!
100% Recycled Glassware
Ngwenya Glassware 100% recycled and mouth-blown glassware from Ngwenya
Cycle of Good Cycle of Good turn bicycle inner tubes and old coffee sacks into much lusted-over goods! Hand-Carved Olivewood Nativity Set ONLINE NOW! Women of the World Calendar 2021 51548 £9.95 Plan B Diary 2021 51614 £9.95 18 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Handmade Soapstone Pestle & Mortar Soapstone handcarved in India
COMING THIS AUTUMN!
Set of Eight Flower Printed Star Decorations 100% recycled cotton
GREAT ACTIVITY TO DO WITH THE KIDS!
Thought Womenswear
Handmade Traditional Indian Printing Block
Exclusive prints with their own distinct narrative from Thought. See our autumn/ winter catalogue for more information on each of the ‘garden’ collections.
Create your own blockprinted masterpiece and keep one of India’s most treasured skills alive!
Recycled Blue Floral Rug Made in India from recycled drinks bottles and food containers
Keep an eye out for your autumn/winter 2020 catalogue for many more brand-new, exciting products!
NEW!
NEW!
Thought Menswear Clothing If you liked what you saw in our Thought menswear preview last month, you’ll be happy to hear that all menswear items are now in stock and ready to buy. SHOP THOUGHT
VENT for Change In last month’s issue, we shone the spotlight on VENT for Change, the sustainable stationery brand offering some seriously stylish pieces for school, the office or home. We’re pleased to let you know that all VENT products are now in stock! “I’m definitely going to be buying some of the pencils made from recycled CD cases – the pink ones are my favourite!!" – Sarah SHOP VENT
Vegan Essentials Box VE
GAN
After the success of our essentials boxes, we are imminently launching our very own vegan essentials box! Do you know someone who’d love to receive one of these? traidcraftshop.co.uk
19
HUGE SAVINGS IN OUR
Summer Sale
We’ve added almost 100 lines to our sale. Here are our top pics, but don’t forget to go onto our website to see the full range with up to 60% off. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
UP TO
60% OFF!
Thought Coral Organic Cotton and Wool Blend Kate Jumper £69.95 NOW £52.46 Size 8 38732 Size 14 39728
Size 16 39804 Size 18 39856
Thought Women's Purple Tulip Bamboo, Recycled Polyester and Organic Cotton Blend Socks 40602 £6.95 NOW £4.87 Thought White Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Vest £24.95 NOW £18.71 Size 8 32728 Size 12 33168
Size 16 33544
Thought Black Bamboo and Organic Cotton Blend Vest £24.95 NOW £18.71 Size 8 57458 Size 10 32146 Size 12 32208
20 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Size 14 32222 Size 18 32716
Thought Nea Organic Cotton and Wool Women's Cardigan Coat £150.00 NOW £97.50 Size 10 59366 Size 12 60188
Size 14 60300 Size 16 60454
Thought Women's Spotty Bamboo, Recycled Polyester and Organic Cotton Blend Socks 45794 £6.95 NOW £4.87
Oilcloth Blue Dandelion Print Purse 58750 £23.99 NOW £17.99
Cat Messenger Bag with Adjustable Strap 57544 £34.99 NOW £26.24
Oilcloth Dandelion Mustard Freya Purse 58760 £9.99 NOW £7.49
Polkadot Grey Purse 58468 £8.50 NOW £6.38
traidcraftshop.co.uk
21
UP TO
60% OFF!
Summer Sale Handmade Lokta Paper Gift Wrap 56098 £6.50 NOW £4.23
Hand-painted Rainbow Toast Rack 52542 £12.95 NOW £8.42
Wooden Cross Wall Decorations 46694 £16.80 NOW £10.08
Elephant Trinket Tray 53460 £7.99 NOW £5.59
Elephant Ring Holder 53612 £6.96 NOW £4.87
Hanging Wooden Cross Decorations 46666 £17.85 NOW £10.70
Large Glass Tealight Holder 54476 £19.99 NOW £12.99
Multicoloured HandEmbroidered Cushion Cover 56484 £41.95 NOW £27.27
22 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Peony & Sweet Pea Damask Leaf Candle - 10cm 54440 £30.00 NOW £19.50
Unisex Wash Bag 69504 £11.99 NOW £8.39
Maroma Body Scrub Powder with Organic Coffee Powder 54580 £24.00 NOW £15.60
Maroma Face Wash Neroli 54556 £24.95 NOW £18.71
Peony & Sweet Pea Damask Leaf Candle 10cm Hurricane 54314 £19.99 NOW £12.99
Eat Your Hat Organic Dark Chocolate & Brazilian Mandarin 36754 (91g) £3.95 NOW £2.37 34360 (10 x 91g) £35.50 NOW £21.30 Eat Your Hat Organic 70% Dark Chocolate 31804 (91g) £3.95 NOW £2.36 32880 (10 x 91g) £35.50 NOW £21.30 Eat Your Hat Organic Dark Chocolate with Turmeric & Black Pepper 39302 (91g) £3.95 NOW £2.36 37012 (10 x 91g) £35.50 NOW £21.30
traidcraftshop.co.uk
23
Many of you will recognise the author of this inspirational book; Joe Osman, who joined us here at Traidcraft in our early days, has written this insightful book, featuring stories and anecdotes covering his extensive experience of travelling and putting fair trade into practice. The story is told through Joe’s eyes, as one of our longest serving team members. Whether you’re new to us here at Traidcraft and are hoping to learn a little more, or you’ve been with us from the start and wish for a trip down memory lane – this book is certain to spark emotions and fill in any gaps in your knowledge about fair trade and Traidcraft.
LAUNCHES 21ST AUGUST!
“If you really want to know about the early trajectory of this revolutionary movement, I can only recommend you get a copy. “Revolutionary” is a strong word to use, but I think it fits the bill.” Robin Roth
24 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR For those of us who may be new to Traidcraft, could you tell us a little bit about your background in fair trade and relationship with Traidcraft? I joined Traidcraft in 1981, although before that I worked at Tearcraft which was really a ‘prequel’ to Traidcraft. In the book, I cover that period of the late 70s and the story behind Traidcraft’s emergence from its previous incarnation and some of the issues and even conflicts behind that. For much of my time at Traidcraft I was involved in working with overseas producers and with developing many of the food products that Traidcraft still sells. Can you summarise your book and what insight people might gain from reading it? The book is divided into eight parts, each with a number of chapters. Four of those parts chart the history of Traidcraft fairly chronologically and this fits more or less into the four decades of its existence, which I believe
all had their own individual characteristics. The other four parts are more thematic and I thought probably deserved a bit more detail. I explored Traidcraft’s Christian roots, heritage and practice in one part and Traidcraft’s role in the development of the global fair trade movement in another. The remaining two parts are more product focussed and look at some of the innovative product development’s that Traidcraft can rightly claim as ‘firsts’ and then some of the interesting experiences working with mainstream retailers. I very much hope that by reading this book that the legacy of Traidcraft might be recognised more fully than I believe it is. As the formal book synopsis reads “Traidcraft was a true pioneer of the Fair Trade movement and has played a major role in changing the landscape of ethical shopping”. A lot of Traidcraft’s work, mostly through Traidcraft Exchange, went beyond fair trade – its role in the creation of Shared
Interest, Social Accounting, the Ethical Trade Initiative and the Groceries Code Adjudicator being four examples. What compelled you to write your book? The changes made in 2019 which led to Traidcraft’s survival neither held a place for me, nor were of interest to me. Being involved in an organisation for so long meant that seeking ‘closure’ would be important, and writing this book was a form of closure. A number of colleagues also encouraged me to do so. As I say in the introduction to the book “I eventually concluded that I was probably the best, if not only, person to write something, given that I’ve lived and breathed the organization for much of my life.” History has a habit of being reinterpreted at times and I thought it important to at least record something definitive whilst also recognising, again quoting from the introduction “History anyway is, in a sense, interpretive”. traidcraftshop.co.uk
25
How long did your book take to write? Conceiving the book started before I left Traidcraft. The first thing that I felt I needed to do was meet up with Richard Adams to discuss the project. I suppose I felt perhaps that I needed the ‘blessing’ of Traidcraft’s founder, and this led to various ideas and ways to write it. For example, we concluded that getting contributions from others would be a good thing. I started writing in February 2019 and had the bulk of the narrative completed within 2-3 months. After completing the first 10,000 words I sent my draft manuscript to Richard whose affirmation gave me confidence to go ahead with the next 70,000 words! Then deciding who else needed to contribute, tracking them down, occasionally meeting up, getting them to write their piece, and incorporating into what I’d already written took a bit longer. There are more options for ‘self-publication’ these days but, having discussed with a number of folk, I concluded that it would be good to have a professional book publisher and I eventually signed up with Lion Hudson and submitted to them the ‘final manuscript in September 2019. Ironically they were the publisher of Richard Adams book ‘Who 26 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Profits?’ back in the late 1980’s. I also thought it might be a good idea to have a high profile person to write a foreword and in January 2020 was fortunate to obtain this from Dr John Sentamu, the former Archbishop of York whose wife Margaret was previously both a trustee and director of Traidcraft. Is the finished article exactly what you’d set out to write, or did the purpose change as you were writing? It evolved and I didn’t really have any clear vision of the finished article when I started. The piece of advice I got from a couple of folks who are published authors was ‘just write’ so I did! I think that the external contributions add to the whole thing and I have over 20 contributors. The majority are ex-members of staff including everyone who has led the organisation from its birth until my departure. This even includes Paul Johns who took over from Richard Adams in the late 1980s and I was pleased to be able to ‘track him down’! There are also contributions from those who have led the Fairtrade Foundation since it was founded and from producers.
Your book charts the history of Traidcraft from its birth in 1979, up until our 40th anniversary in 2019. What do you think the future holds for Traidcraft? I really find it difficult to answer this. In one of the later chapters I say the following: “When the announcement was made in 2018 that Traidcraft plc would cease trading, it came as a shock to many, but as inevitable to others…. For some, there was a feeling that perhaps Traidcraft plc had run its course and, without some of the activities and characteristics that made it unique, there was little point to it.” I think that the Traidcraft of 2020 needs to find what it is that makes it unique. This will be different to the historic organisation and maybe it just needs the time to consolidate and then establish what that is.
Your book discusses how Traidcraft have played a major role in changing the landscape of ethical shopping. Do you think our work is done? I don’t think that the work of fair trade is yet done. Indeed, the news of the recent past which has seen large brands pull out of using the Fairtrade mark for what can only be described as ‘commercial reasons’ can only reinforce that. As I said, Traidcraft needs to be clear what it is famous for – in the present and not in the past. Whilst it’s true that Traidcraft, as a trading company and development charity, combined “played a major role in changing the landscape of ethical shopping” the plc was always the exemplar of what a Fair Trade Organisation should be and do. Just ‘ethical’ was not good enough. Indeed, our historical view of the word ‘ethical’ derived from its use in the medical world – ‘do no harm’. Personally, I don’t believe it’s good enough for Traidcraft plc to merely ‘do no harm’ and fair trade was and is something that has ‘development’ in its DNA. What does fair trade mean to you, personally? I do subscribe to the definition of fair trade which lots of people worked long and hard to establish in days gone by and which both Fairtrade International and world Fair Trade
Organisation affirm as at the heart of their mission. I think it’s worth transcribing that short but important paragraph as part of this answer. “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade Organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.” Of course, the motivation behind subscribing to this is just as important as the definition itself. For me this was always faith based and with a focus on justice. In my book, I explore how Traidcraft’s messaging changed through time but ultimately the 1980s’ mission statement of Traidcraft still resonates with me personally: “Traidcraft aims to expand and establish more just trading systems which will express the principles of love and justice fundamental to the Christian faith. Practical service and a partnership for change will characterise the organisation, which puts people before profit.” traidcraftshop.co.uk
27
Update from the Recovery Appeal
Recently, Shahed - our Country Director in Bangladesh - shared news of a nation in crisis. As we sent out the final email in our series, he told us that things are worse than we thought. As we look beyond the initial crisis, things may be worsening. He said… “With heavy heart and sheer frustration, I have to share with you that many people who have graduated from poverty during last couple of decades, are now falling back into poverty.” Coronavirus continues to threaten the progress we’ve made. For those who thought they had left poverty behind for good, the future is worrying. But change is possible in the darkest of situations. Shahed knows this well. Over the years he has been on the team we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people take steps towards a better future - cooperatives formed, harvests improved, earnings increased, children educated and families fed. But now that progress is threatened. Extended lockdowns have left informal workers without food or income – and few options.
Debt bondage, the most common form of modern slavery, is widespread in his community, but things were changing before the pandemic – “We started working in various sectors after getting vocational training. We had started savings, but these have stopped in (the) current situation." With savings running out, coronavirus is forcing people in vulnerable communities to make impossible choices. Many face a return to debt bondage in order to survive the crisis. Others have lost homes, harvests and livelihoods due to lockdowns, factory closures, or in the recent floods. We need to respond now. DONATE NOW
Shahed explains more… “People are leaving Dhaka at an exponential rate, which is affecting many others who rely on renting out houses, apartments and huts. On top of this, a third of Bangladesh is now underwater because of flooding.
But together, we can change things.
Without government initiatives, poor people are in dire conditions. This is absolutely heart breaking.
Bharti, a labourer from Bangladesh, told us of the difference projects run by Traidcraft Exchange had begun to make.
People who were doing well only a few months back are now asking secretly for help. They are trying to sell everything they can, but there is no buyer.”
28 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Without government initiatives, poor people are in dire conditions. This is absolutely heart breaking. Crops are destroyed, and fields are flooded. The possibility of famine looms heavily. It’s a stark reminder that Recovery isn’t just about simply surviving lockdown. It’s about rebuilding a radically different world, where we face up to the twin crises of climate change and global inequality, and demand justice for the most vulnerable. As Shahed and his team make plans to adapt to these new challenges, we need your help to support as many people as possible – and rebuild a new and brighter future.
With your help, we can provide emergency food aid and raise awareness of labour rights. We can support people across the world to earn a decent income, in ways which are free from exploitation, by providing skills training and help setting up cooperatives – actions which will continue to change lives long after this pandemic. Together, we can protect the poorest people during this crisis - and together, we can take the first steps on the road to recovery and a better world.
Big Brew Harvest - Big News! Just a quick note to let you know that Big Brew harvest will be happening this year in September. Be it outdoors and socially distanced, at home with the family, or online as part of the Traidcraft Webinar Roadshows on 16th and 23rd September, we want you to get together to drink tea and coffee and change lives in any way we can! Traidcraft plc will be putting together some Big Brew Boxes to help you! As part of the Recovery Appeal, we will be creating some resources to help you get started on your event – whatever it looks like.
So put the kettle on, and join us on the path to rebuilding a brighter, fairer world! If you’d like to hear more, sign up to get resources, or share your plans, email fundraising@traidcraft.or.uk. We’d love to hear from you!
Fancy a change of scenery? There are still plenty of places left on Traidcraft Exchange's 2021 Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. The 72 mile trek is set to go ahead in March - and might be the ideal way to see off lockdown and raise some vital funds for communities around the world as they begin to recover and rebuild. REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US traidcraftshop.co.uk
29
A Trade Deal with America: Not Now Right now, the UK’s trade negotiators are trying to make a new trade deal with America. But with both countries in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, the trade deal is not getting the attention it needs. MPs voted to allow the government to make trade deals without having to answer questions about how the negotiations are going. Negotiations are happening behind closed doors. With no opportunity for scrutiny, there’s every chance a deal with the US could undermine the world's poorest countries and the fight against climate change. We’ve all read worrying reports about the impact on the NHS and low-welfare chlorinated chicken. But a trade deal with America could also have knock-on effects around the world. It could undermine sustainable development and the fight against climate change. The government has not analysed the effect of a trade deal on the world's poorest countries. To make matters worse, the government is trying to make a deal right in the middle of a pandemic. 30 traidcraftshop.co.uk
Traidcraft Exchange supporters are calling on the government to pause trade negotiations until: • t he immediate health and economic dangers of the coronavirus pandemic are over • t he impact of any deal on sustainable development and the climate crisis is fully understood • n egotiations are conducted transparently, with proper scrutiny by MPs. Now is not the time for a trade deal with America. Not while the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic are still with us. Not while the effect of a deal on the world's poorest countries and the climate crisis is unclear. JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
DOWNLOAD PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION
INGREDIENTS
FAIR TRADE CHEESE, TOMATO & CHILLI TART From our friends at J TS
Ready-made shortcrust pastry (18cm) 50g grated cheddar 4 small tomatoes, halved Meru Herbs Hot Chilli Pesto 150g Creme fraiche 2 medium eggs, locally sourced if possible METHOD 1. Preheat oven to gas mark 6 or 180 degrees. 2. Line an 18cm, loose bottomed tart tin with the pastry. 3. Spread 2 teaspoons of Hot Chilli Pesto over the base. 4. Whisk together the creme fraiche and eggs with a little salt and pepper. 5. Place cheese in the pastry case, cover with the egg mixture and top with halved tomatoes. 6. B ake for 20-30 minutes until set. Serve hot or cold with a green salad. Please note, the Chilli Pesto is hot! Use less or more to suit your taste.
Meru Herbs is a female-led organisation in rural Kenya and is dedicated to fair trade principles, with a clear mission to empower women, alleviate poverty and improve standards of living. This forward-thinking organisation gives smallholder farmers the opportunity to sell their produce and improve their income by supplying directly to Meru Herbs. Up to 100 local women are employed to prepare fruits and herbs, and make the most amazing, all-natural sauces and jams.
Get to know us better...
traidcraftshop.co.uk
31