Bulletin
TRAIDCRAFT TRADES INTO ITS 40TH YEAR
DECEMBER 2018 T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK
Welcome
TO DECEMBER’S BULLETIN
Dear Friends,
Traidcraft Trades
Christmas is nearly here! And I know that for many of you
Traidcraft is so intimately entwined in the Fair Trade
that means a very busy December. Thank you for all those
movement that it’s hard to imagine there is anything
stalls you’re organising up and down the country, I hope
left for us to do. We helped write the standards that
they’re a huge success and that you really enjoy doing
underpin it and helped co-found most of the institutions
them.
that we now associate with Fair Trade – including the
Many of you have asked to know more about Traidcraft’s plans for 2019. What foods will we sell? Which craft suppliers will be dropped? We know you desperately need this information not only to help you answer questions from your customers but also to guide you on what to stock up on ready for the Spring. That’s why I’ve tried to give you as much information as possible in this edition. Please do keep your feedback coming.
Fairtrade Foundation itself. Just one of the many things we did was to help write the international definition of Fair Trade: “...a trading relationship based on dialogue, transparency and respect...” We’ve done a lot of thinking about what this means. For us, dialogue, transparency and respect means sharing and being accountable. We want to do more of both. We want to engage with our customers as if they were
Thank you to everyone who came along to the focus
members – commitment should bring rewards – and
groups, they were massively helpful to us and I hope you
we are thinking about ways to introduce a buying
found them inspiring as well. You can read about the
membership mentality in how we work; if you buy a lot
findings on page 4.
from us, you deserve better prices, more say in what
I’ve had lots of positive comments about the new digital Bulletin, but some of you have asked that we make it
December’s FREE A4 poster
easier to cut and paste items for your notice boards,
Read more about Traidcraft Exchange’s
newsletters and pew sheets. You’ll now find a link to
Christmas appeal on page 13.
download that information below the digital Bulletin at www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/bulletin. You can also download the Bulletin which will allow you to copy any of the text you need. Last but not least, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year … you’ve earned it!
Happy fair trading!
Matt
Matt Oliver, Traidcraft Community Sales Manager 2
POP ONE IN YOUR BASKET CODE 36352
into its 40th Year...
has the drive and energy to transform Traidcraft into a business fit for decades.
we do and a better understanding for everyone of how we work. Which leads to transparency. We do not think that simply saying we pay a minimum fair trade price is enough. There is confusion in the marketplace, and the focus groups helped us to understand the confusion that you face from your customers too. We believe that Traidcraft should lead the way in being clearer about what Fair Trade really means, helping to open people’s eyes to what a producer really receives from a fair trade product, and being clear about challenges that we face along the way. What we are proposing is disruptive. Most businesses will
As a Board, we are very aware of the sacrifices many staff have made in the past few months. Many staff members will be leaving us in just a few weeks’ time, and yet still they are willing to work through the busiest period of the year ensuring that parcels are delivered to you, putting in overtime and going the extra mile. It is a great sadness that we could not continue to employ more people, but we wish everyone who will be leaving us over the coming months all the very best. We are immensely grateful for their hard work and support. Equally, we want to make sure that those who remain are given every encouragement to succeed.
be uncomfortable with this. Some will certainly object. Now that reminds me of a time just about 40 years ago when six intrepid people set out to change the world...
Robin Roth CEO
A message from TRAIDCRAFT’S CHAIR “It’s been a difficult few months for everyone concerned with Traidcraft. The news that we might have to cease trading in the New Year brought a wave of responses from you all. The simple message was: “We can’t stop now!
It has been equally hard for us to accept that we will have to stop trading with most long-term producers. Accepting that our old way of business was not sustainable has brought with it some very painful decisions. We know that Traidcraft Exchange will be picking up the baton in terms of helping where help is possible, but it is nonetheless a matter of great sadness.
The new Traidcraft has an ambitious plan. We all know that the economy is facing great uncertainty and that some companies will not survive. We believe that by putting our house in order now we are much better placed to face the future and we are genuinely excited by the prospect of a transparent, member-driven community of buyers. We have an important message and we very much invite you to help us carry the torch forward.”
As a Board we heard that message, and ensured that a rescue plan, driven by staff, was given space, resource and time to be developed. We are delighted to say that what was delivered made a compelling case for continuing the business. It is not without risk, but the team going forward
“Thank you for your support, past, present and future.”
Ram Gidoomal Chair of Traidcraft’s Board
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Focus Group Feedback T H A N K Y O U T O A L L W H O A T T E N D E D, Y O U A R E H E L P I N G T O S H A P E T H E F U T U R E O F T R A I D C R A F T. F O R T H O S E T H A T C O U L D N ’ T M A K E I T, D O N ’ T W O R R Y W E W I L L BE CIRCULATING A SURVEY FOR YOU TO COMPLETE AND WE’LL BE ORGANISING M O R E F O C U S G R O U P S I N E A R LY 2 0 1 9 .
During November, we held a series of focus groups to look
As I’m sure you can imagine, the debate was lively
at some of the big themes that will be central to our plans
and opinions were widespread. It has helped us as a
for a re-energised Traidcraft. These events took place in
team too see what we could do and where we could
Nottingham, Gateshead and London and were attended by
go in these two core areas of development. For me, the
over 60 Fair Traders.
evenings were a glimpse of what a transparent, memberled company might look like. We debated respectfully, and although we were not always in total agreement, could understand individual positions as well as the complexities of running a Fair Trade business in the current climate. A massive thank you to all who attended. We will hold more events like this soon, both for Fair Traders and Retailers. We will also be sending a survey out before the year end. It is likely to be quite a lengthy one as there is much we want to explore, so make sure you grab a brew
The evening was a chance to ask people to discuss what
before starting it and thank you in advance for your input
Fair Trade meant to them, the challenges of explaining it,
and involvement.
and to hear some of the questions that customers often
Matt
ask. First, we looked at the notion of Traidcraft becoming a more transparent company, along with the opportunities that this could give us in the marketplace, and the potential risks associated with striving for the highest possible levels of transparency in certain areas. We then went on to discuss what it might look like if Traidcraft became a member-led organisation. What would people expect of us? What would they like to be able to influence? How important would certain aspects be to you as individuals?
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Traidcraft products 2019 TRAID CRAF T H A S PIO N EER ED M A NY FAI R TRAD E P RO D U CT RANG ES I N ITS TI ME – FR O M C A M PAIGN COFFEE TO B ISC U ITS. W E N E ED A CLEAR FO C U S O N THE P RO D U CT RANG ES C A RR IE D FORWARD. TRAIDC R A F T G R O C ERY B R A ND WI LL BE O U R FO CU S ALTHO U G H YO U WI LL ALSO ST IL L B E ABL E TO P UR C H A SE SO M E K EY B R A N D S TH AT YO U KNO W AND LOVE – MO RE O N THI S BE LO W. OUR FOCUS W I L L B E T H E SU PPO RT OF FAI R TRAD ERS, WHO WI LL I NITI ALLY BE O U R M A IN SO URCE OF D IST R IB U T I O N . W H IL E T H IS WI LL B E O U R P RI M ARY FO C U S WE STI LL HO P E TO BE A B LE TO SUP P LY O U R R E TA I L A N D W H OLESALE CU STO MER BASE WITHI N THE PARAME TE R S O F O U R R EDU C ED P RO D U CT RANG E. The current selection of products mentioned here
out of stock due to further work that needs to be done to
are the starting point for Traidcraft, these products
re-formulate and ensure the palm oil base is as effective
have initially been considered on their profitability and
as possible – we have had production issues of late with
feasibility of being able to continue. This is a necessary
this crucial ingredient. This project also had to be put on
step and will be integral to the success of the business
hold due to the uncertainty about our future. We plan to
plan that has been proposed. We also want you to help
start work on this as soon as possible and bring these
shape the direction we go with our product ranges.
products back to you. As you read this, we are working
As Matt has already mentioned we will be sending
on the timeline and exploring options - we really are
out surveys to gauge what you, a key stakeholder of
fighting to keep these amazing products going.
Traidcraft want and need from us, to ensure ongoing success Firstly, an update on our current situation. You will have
What will happen next year?
noticed that the Stem Ginger Cookies have gone out
The Traidcraft brand is our focus, and where and when
of stock: this is due to having unfortunately run out of
it is possible, we will align all our Traidcraft products to
packaging. As there has been such uncertainty about
be part of the Traidcraft grocery brand (current product
our future over the past months, the packaging was not
ranges include tea, chocolate and honey). We will still
re-printed, and as printing onto film has a longer lead
stock third party ranges to complement our Traidcraft
time than printing onto a card box, it will take us a short
product offering.
while to catch up. Be assured, we are working hard to bring this product back to you, whilst also working on improving the percentage of fair trade ingredients in the product. We have also faced a similar situation with our Traidcraft Tea; packaging had to be re-printed for production to continue. Our Clean & Fair range has been
Sadly, this means some brands and products created by Traidcraft will be phased out over time. We will be a small team, we need to focus, do less and do it better. There are 12 permanent job roles going forwards, which we are in the process of confirming, also in place are
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staff who will help in this transition period. Key product ranges we will be taking forward include: tea, coffee, biscuits, sugar, chocolate (including the new white muscovado chocolate), sweets, honey & spreads, muesli, store cupboard ingredients, household items (hard soap, tissue range and gloves). We will continue to stock products from other companies that
Catalogue for 2019
It’s busy at the moment at Traidcraft HQ. With the new team now in place, we are investigating options for a catalogue in the New Year. Time is tight, we would hope to have something to you by the beginning of March in time for Easter trading. Sadly, it is not feasible to
complement the Traidcraft grocery range including;
get something out to you sooner but we will keep you
Divine, Meaningful Chocolate Company, CaféDirect,
updated with our progress. We will continue with the
Zaytoun, Liberation, Fish4Ever, Calypso, Kilombero Rice and Bio-D.
e-bulletin, which we will use monthly to update you on any new products that are becoming available, as
While selecting the products, we are also reassessing
well as sharing special offers with you. If you’re not yet
how we are able to sell these products to you with the
signed up to receive your weekly email, this is another
discounts you’re used to, whilst being commercially
great way to stay updated. To do this, simply log into
viable. It is expensive for us to pick, pack and send
the website and head to ‘My Account’ – you will see My
out one chocolate bar to you. We know not all of you
Newsletters on the left-hand side – and all you need to
are able to buy a case, so we will be looking at what a ‘single’ could be; in the future we encourage you to buy
do is then tick the box to subscribe.
together where you can and buy the case. We will be continuing with Christmas and seasonal products such as Cards, Homewares, Fashion and Accessories into next year. During the Spring/Summer
NEW MUSCOVADO WHITE
19 season we will continue to sell through the craft
C H O C O L AT E
items that we have in stock. Our new model will not
COMING SOON
import craft products directly from producers, however we aim to start building a range from carefully selected partners who have imported products in time for the Autumn 19 season. Lastly, Eat Your Hat. Whilst not intended for the Fair Trader market it has done very well in its first year of production. The team are determined to fight for the survival and success of Eat Your Hat. It will be coming on the journey with Traidcraft. We have not finished finalising the list, we are listening to your feedback and welcome your input.
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N E W S T E M G I N G E R PA C K A G I N G
Christmas shopping MAKE SURE YOU ARE STOCKED UP WITH ALL YOUR COMMUNITIES FESTIVE TREATS FOR CHRISTMAS.
EAT YOUR HAT. From a library of 3 chocolates to the ultimate
Meaningful Chocolate Company Host of Angels 43698 Single WAS £3.99 NOW £3.19 50008 Case (6 x 6) WAS £64.80 NOW £38.88
coffee and chocolate collection, there is a great gift for everyone.
S E E O N L I N E F O R F U L L C H O C O L AT E R A N G E
T R A I D C R A F T I N S TA N T C O F F E E ( 1 0 0 G ) 20% OFF 11TH - 20TH DECEMBER
Available while stock lasts. Usual discounts apply.
Meaningful Chocolate Company Christmas Cracker Box 67088 Single (6 x 25g) WAS £9.99 NOW £7.99 54170 Case (6 x 6) WAS £53.94 NOW £32.36
TROPICAL WHOLEFOODS ORGANIC SUNDRIED MANGO N O W AVA I L A B L E I N A C A S E S I Z E O F 1 4 CODE 55570
Traidcraft Medium Roast Freeze Dried Coffee (100g) 32918 Single WAS £4.60 NOW £3.68 30356 Case (6) WAS £24.90 NOW £19.92
Traidcraft Freeze Dried Decaff Coffee (100g) 60326 Single WAS £4.95 NOW £3.96 26878 Case (6) WAS £26.70 NOW £21.36
Spectacular Sale - December 5th CHECK OUR WEBSHOP FOR THE FULL SALE RANGE
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Cards from Swajan TRAIDCRAFT EXCHANGE’S CHRISTMAS A P P E A L ( PA G E 1 3 ) F O C U S E S O N T H E WORK OF SWAJAN IN BANGLADESH WHO OFFER ITS WOMEN ARTISANS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO GO FURTHER, WHY NOT STOCK UP ON SWAJAN’S CARDS TOO?
Hand Embroidered Poppy Card 69988 Set of 2 £3.50
Embroidered Ribbon Flowers Card 47202 Single £3.50 Embroidered Snowy Forest Cards 42940 Single £7.00
Hand Embroidered Sequin Owl Card 68964 Single £3.50 8
Poppy Meadow Card 54420 Single £3.50
Embroidered Nativity Cards 69704 Set of 2. £7.00
Below offers available 5th december!
Robin Brooch Card 52810 Single WAS £3.00 NOW £1.80
Sequin Pudding Brooch card 35722 Single WAS £3.00 NOW £1.80
Deck the stalls.... A PERFECT COMBINATION WITH YOUR FAIR TRADE FOOD AND DRINKS
Acacia Wood Oval Dishes 47564WAS £26.00 NOW £11.80
Blue Recycled Glass Jug 69654 WAS £18.00 NOW £8.70
Ceramic Fish Shaped Platters (3) 39572 WAS £36.00 NOW £13.20
REMEMBER TO WRAP YOUR FAIR TRADE PRESENTS WITH FAIR TRADE GIFT WRAP
Mosaic Flower Gift Wrap & Tags set 56724 Single WAS £3.80 NOW £1.50
Luxury Mosaic Gift Wallets 35836 Single WAS £8.00 NOW £4
C A R V E D F R O M O L I V E W O O D, THESE LITTLE CROSSES ARE A GREAT GIVEAWAY FOR SPECIAL CHURCH EVENTS Mini Olive Wood Pocket Crosses (10) 57520 WAS £12.00 NOW £5.40 9
Christmas Shopping CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS FOR THE HOME
Below offers available 5th december!
Garden House Chimes 43618 WAS £16.00 NOW £6.80
Arctic Blue Frosted Pillar Candle- Large 53554 Single WAS £20.00 NOW £9.20
Festive Copper Reindeer 47800 WAS £30 NOW £18 Nativity Story Booklet 61056 WAS £3.95 NOW £1.20
Winter Cottage Scene 36676 Single WAS £22.00 NOW £8.10
GET READY FOR SPRING WITH THESE OUTDOOR C O N TA I N E R S
Christmas Paws Card (pack of 20 cards, 4 designs) 28956 WAS £4.75 NOW £2.50 10
Curved Mandala Container-Large 61878 WAS £35.00 NOW £18.40
A little help with your Christmas baking HOW MANY TRAIDCRAFT INGREDIENTS CAN YOU SQUEEZE INTO YOUR FESTIVE BAKING? We’ve given you a helping hand with these unusual Christmas dessert ideas.
Full recipes can be found using your internet browser
Tea (for soaking fruit)
Cocoa
Fruit Juice
Dark Chocolate
White Chocolate
Flavoured Chocolate
Nuts
Dried Fruits
Sugar
Spreads
Black forest loaf cake
Chocolate Christmas pudding Date and pecan Christmas pudding Giant jam tart decorated with cut out stars and trees Mince pie baklava
Mince pie brownies
Salted caramel chocolate torte Chocolate Stollen
White chocolate, orange and cranberry Christmas cake White forest meringue roulade
Our new hand-crafted cookies and shortbreads would also make ideal cheesecake bases, and our coffee could go into tiramisu, whilst our sweets could be used as decorative toppings. 11
Special Edition 40th Birthday Joint Big Brew! It’s been an amazing journey for the Traidcraft family…
tea, coffee, and all the biscuits you can manage to
from our beginnings importing jute products back in
celebrate Traidcraft’s amazing history – and exciting
1979, to the founding of Traidcraft Exchange in 1986,
future. You can stock up on all the delicious Traidcraft
to the restructure and new beginnings of 2019.
drinks and biscuits you’ll need to make the occasion truly special – keep an eye out for our Fairtrade
You’ve been here through the ground-breaking
Fortnight special offers and event packs nearer the
achievements, through the Fair Trade firsts, the rough
time…
times and the good times, and played a huge role in the thousands of lives transformed through fairer trade.
If you held a Big Brew last year, a pack will be on its
Now join us to celebrate 40 years of the Traidcraft
way to you in the first week of January. But don’t worry
Family – after all, you’re a key part of it!
if not – you’ll be able to order them (though bear in mind they are limited edition!) free of charge from the
This Fairtrade Fortnight and beyond we’re asking you to host your biggest ever birthday brew and enjoy
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shop from mid-January onwards.
Latest News From THIS CHRISTMAS, YOU CAN SECURE A NEW FUTURE FOR THOSE HARDEST HIT BY TRAIDCRAFT’S RESTRUCTURE One of the things that makes the Traidcraft family unique is our shared mission – to use the power of trade to lift people out of poverty for good. That’s why, once it became clear that for Traidcraft Plc the only way to ensure a future for the organisation was to downsize, they asked Traidcraft Exchange to use our expertise to support the producers affected by the change in their business model. Unfortunately, the reality of downsizing involves stopping buying from some producer groups, particularly craft groups. Whilst it is hugely positive that Traidcraft Plc will continue to trade and therefore support some producers, inevitably this means that other groups will suffer. Perhaps you have seen our Christmas Appeal, which features Swajan – one of the groups affected (See page 8). You may have received a letter asking for your support, and keeping you updated on our progress – we’d like to thank all of you who have responded with such interest and generosity.
With your help, we will be able to offer producers support through introductions to alternative Fair Trade buyers, help with new designs and product updates, access to trade fairs, and where necessary, short term direct financial support. This Christmas, we are asking for your help – whether through hosting an event, donating your surplus, or giving a gift directly to Traidcraft Exchange, please do support the appeal – contact us at hello@traidcraft.org for resources, or go to www.traidcraft.org.uk/communitychristmas for downloads and a free event pack. You can find updates on the producer appeal, and donate at www.traidcraft.co.uk/christmas. After all, it’s the people behind the products who matter most to us all.
Tea Campaign News More than 10,000 of you have asked the big brands ‘Who picked my tea?’. Now two more brands – Tetley and Clipper – have revealed where they buy their tea from, meaning four out of six brands have published. This is a big step forward in our campaign for better conditions in Assam – thanks everyone who made it possible and who came to our tea tour events! 13
A very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to you from all at Traidcraft
Dates for your diary 5th December 2018
Thanksgiving Service
International Volunteer Day and Traidcraft’s chance to say thank you for all you do to support and promote our work!
We hope to hold a Thanksgiving Service in Spring 2019 for Traidcraft’s work over the last 40 years. If you would like to receive updates about this please email hello@traidcraft.co.uk with your details.
Fairtrade Fortnight
Last orders!
Will run from 25 February until 6 March. Fairtrade Fortnight is an action-packed highlight of the year, when campaigners, businesses, schools and places of worship show their support for the farmers and workers who grow our food in developing countries. The latest theme and campaign will be announced in the New Year.
Traidcraft’s telephone line will close for Christmas at 12noon on Friday 21st December and re-open at 9am on Wednesday 2nd January 2019. The last day for ordering to guarantee delivery by Christmas is 10am on Friday 21st December.
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