Bulletin SPECIAL EDITION
UPDATE
HOW CAN YOU KEEP HELPING US? T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K
THANK YOU
Welcome
TO NOVEMBER’S BULLETIN
Dear Friends, The “Elephant in the Room” – Traidcraft’s future… it’s been such a tough time over the last few months for staff, producers and supporters. I am thrilled to share with you the exciting news that we have found a way to continue in our mission, which you can read all about on page 4.
Pick up a Poster
Do you have all the latest point of sale posters? These A4 posters fit neatly into your perspex stand and complete the perfect stall.
Those of you who have met me will know that it’s my heart’s desire for Traidcraft to not only keep going, but to also push forward on our amazing work to transform the world through trade. It is my hope and prayer that this plan will be a huge success and that I’ll
NEW Festive Hampers 35750
personally be able to keep working with you. Please keep emailing us at love@traidcraft.co.uk with your thoughts and ideas. Featured on the front is Jonathan Ward from North London who has built up his church’s bulk order to an impressive height.Fair Traders are at the core of our new strategy and in the coming weeks we will be asking many of you to help shape the new Traidcraft. We will be sending surveys and inviting groups of you to focus group consultations, with the aim of being able to reveal the full plan by December. Lastly, I really enjoyed visiting Anne Garsed’s ‘At Home’ event in Preston a few weeks ago, and thank you to everyone hosting an ‘At Home’ this season, especially if you’re trying it for the first time. I
Eat Your Hat 34678
hope they’re fun and successful events, and keep posting the pics on the Fair Trader Facebook page. We still need you to continue the amazing work you have been doing so far this season in sales. There is plenty of stock in the warehouse, so please keep buying and selling. The Christmas gift guide should be in at the start of November, there are 20,000 copies, use the code 36230 to get your free copies.
Little Treasures 34144
Happy fair trading!
Matt
Matt Oliver, Traidcraft Community Sales Manager
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ALL FREE WITH YOUR NEXT ORDER
What You’ve Been Saying We’ve been inundated with messages of concern and kindness. Here’s a flavour of what our Fair Traders, Retailers and Supporters have been telling us, and we look forward to working with you on keeping Traidcraft going next year. Your passion and commitment inspires us to keep going. Pleaase keep doing what you are doing!
How you initially reacted
Actions you want to take
“Those of my customers I have spoken to are all appalled
“This Traidcraft Fair Trader is still in business ... Selling
and want to know what they can do to help!”
stock, taking orders, sending donations to @traidcraftexch
“My perspective is that Traidcraft were such pioneers in
#lovetraidcraft”
developing and promoting fair trade as a concept for good,
“I have told them to keep buying, and reassured them that I
so that after 30 years, it is acceptable to expect to see fairly
will try to keep stocks of all their favourite purchases for as
traded products in supermarkets, cafes, work places as well
long as possible.”
as churches. That is a phenomenal achievement, and one we
“Personally I have stretched my own budget and bought
should all be proud of.”
more gift / homeware stuff as I feel I could run my stalls well
“People were amazed and very concerned for you all, and for
into next year”
the producer partners.”
“The best way we can help them is to try to sell as much as
“Thinking of you all through this difficult time and pray
possible. I am actually going to try and increase the number
that a solution may be found that offers both you and the
of stalls and am stepping up my campaign to get people to
producers a way forward.”
place orders over the next few weeks.”
“Please do pass my very best wishes and love to all you
“Traidcraft need our help! I know it’s only October, but if
lovely, friendly people up in Gateshead.”
you’re thinking of doing any early Christmas shopping, now would be a good time to put an order in and support them
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR
GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS.
#lovetraidcraft #Fairtrade” “I have supported Traidcraft for many years. We cannot let this end. Buy now. Such a good Christian witness and better than charity.”
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What is happening with Traidcrft PLC? TRAIDCRAFT GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH A NEW PIONEERING PLAN FOR ETHICAL TRADE. BOARD ACCEPTS A PLAN FOR A SLIMMED-DOWN TRAIDCRAFT WITH FAIR TRADE, COMMUNITY BUYING, TRANSPARENCY AND ‘MARKET DISRUPTION’ AT ITS HEART. The Board of Traidcraft has accepted a plan for the future of the plc which has room for 12 employees and will begin its work at the start of 2019. It will maximise the profitable parts of the business, phase out loss-making lines, create a membership culture and set a new high bar for ethical trading in the UK. As such, Traidcraft wishes to build on the extraordinary success of fair trade for a new generation of trading, sourcing and buying, in the manner of its pioneering fair trade founders. The plan came forward during a legal consultation process. It was written by a group of staff, supported by external advisers, and influenced by hundreds of well-wishers who offered ideas. At its heart is an aspiration to make transparent the costs, prices and profits involved in every product it sells, which carries on the fair trade tradition of challenging and disrupting the market. CEO Robin Roth said: “We want our members to be co-conspirators in changing how trade is understood and practiced. We want to tell consumers who gets what from the Traidcraft products they buy. We want to annoy and irritate those who profit unduly through the non-transparency of their trading activities. We will cause good trouble, just as those six fair trade pioneers who started Traidcraft did back in 1979.”
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Continued,, Acknowledging the changes over four decades of fair trading, Robin continues: “Traidcraft has transformed shopping in the UK, and now you can find fair trade everywhere, from online shops to petrol stations. But as times change, so must we. When new markets are searching for goods that are ethical, vegan and organic as well as fair trade, we need to be there. As younger people demand cooperative models of doing business, we need to strive for that too.” Traidcraft will initially focus more deliberately on its established partners and advocates, who are predominantly active in Christian churches. Traidcraft’s 4,300 Fair Traders, 85% of whom are motivated by faith, will be able to access a new version of the company they already do business with. Further to this, products will be available to all consumers through the online Traidcraft shop and by mail order. Returning the business to profit will involve a simpler range of products. The new Traidcraft will: •establish core grocery lines •carry fewer craft lines •encourage communities to buy cooperatively and in bulk, saving on packaging and benefitting the planet • deliver discounts through a membership model for supporters. All of Traidcraft’s 67 members of staff have faced redundancy through the legal consultation process; 22 of whom chose voluntary redundancy, and a further 45 were issued notices of redundancy. There will be 12 roles available within the future plan for the organisation, which all staff will be welcome to apply for. Around 10 additional members of staff will remain on an extended contract for a transitionary period. 5
Food Bites SHELF LIFE TIPS We do not normally put sell-by dates on the webshop
NOW IN STOCK
Three Mountains Organic Coffee
and we know this is a problem for you. It is vital that we do not publish erroneous dates and we feel that the risk is too great. The reason is that ‘singles’ and ‘cases’ are stored in different areas of the warehouse and the dates often vary. However, many of our food products have a shelf life of at least 3 months, and if you’re in any doubt about dates just ask our friendly Customer Service team. Here are some further helpful guidelines. Sell By = Stock Control Retailers often use “sell by” and “display until” dates on their shelves, these aren’t required by law and are instructions for shop staff, not for shoppers. The important dates for you to look for are the “use by” and “best before” dates. Use By = Relates to Food Safety
Traidcraft Organic Medium Roast Ground Coffee (1kg)
Traidcraft Organic Medium Roast Whole Bean Arabica (1kg)
Single 1kg 33510 £19.50
Single 1kg 37790 £19.50
Case (6 x 1kg) 35690 £105.60
Case (6 x 1kg) 42590 £105.60
Hamper range now available
S e e w e b s HOP f o r m o r e d e t a i l s
You’ll see ‘use by’ dates on food that goes off quickly. Don’t use any food or drink after the end of the “use by” date on the label, because using it after this date could put your health at risk. Be sure to follow storage instructions. Traidcraft products very rarely carry Use By dates. Best Before = Quality, Not Safety When the date is passed, it doesn’t mean that the food
Traidcraft Rich iced Fruit Slab Cake
will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its flavour and texture. Every year, we throw away millions of tonnes of food and drink in the UK, most of which could have been eaten. But, remember, the “best before” date will only be accurate if the food is stored according to the instructions on the label, such as “store in a cool dry place” or “keep in the fridge once opened”. 6
33872 (470g) £4.95 33598 (6 x 470g) £26.70
Grocery offers GEOMUESLI 15% OFF 1ST - 30TH NOVEMBER GEOMUESLI Exotic Fruit (750g) 46778 Single WAS £4.15 NOW £3.52 60264 Case (5) WAS £18.75 NOW £15.93
Available while stock lasts. Usual discounts apply.
GEOMUESLI Fruit & Nut (750g) 36870 Single WAS £4.15 NOW £3.52 48700 Case (5) WAS £18.75 NOW £15.93
Student Survival kit... NOW CALLED
Fair Trade Essentials Kit
AND IS NOW £44.00 (DOWN FROM £55) CODE 68872
Short Shelf Life Bargains
TRAIDCRAFT C H O C O L AT E BEST BEFORE 3 0 TH N O V 1 8 Traidcraft Organic Milk Chocolate with Praline 52648 Single (100g) WAS £2.65 NOW £1.50 35444 Case (10 x 100g) WAS £23.50 NOW £14.10
COOKIES BEST BEFORE 2 7 TH N O V 1 8 Traidcraft Fruit & Oat Cookies Display Box 57736 Case (16 x 45g) WAS £14.40 NOW £7.80
GEOSTICKS BEST BEFORE 1 8 TH N O V 1 8 WAS £21.60 NOW £10.40 Sweet Chilli GEOSTICKS 34846 Case (24x22g) Peppery GEOSTICKS 52268 Case (24x22g)
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Advent 2018 Don’t forget to stock Advent calenders Count down the days to Christmas with an e t h i c a l Ad v e n t c a l e n d a r .
The Real Advent Calendar 33048 Single 85g £3.99 69266 Case (18 x 85g) £64.80
Divine Dark Chocolate Advent Calendar
Divine Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar
32082 Single 85g £3.99
40264 Single 85g £3.99
63398 Case (12 x 85g) £54.00
53834 Case (12 x 85g) £43.20
24000 Nativity Advent Calendar £2.95
Holy Advent Candle
F O R T H O S E AV O I D I N G C H O C O L AT E , M A R K T H E D AY S U N T I L C H R I S T M A S I N Q U I E T C O N T E M P L AT I O N W I T H OUR ADVENT CANDLE. Don’t forget the handcrafted candleholders!
30720 Holy Advent Candle WAS £12.00 NOW £6.00 8
61856 natural Capiz Lotus Flower Candle Holder £22.00
48848 Small Grey Pillar Candle £12.50
66718 Large Pillar Candle £15.00
Pick up some festive favourites
Christmas treats for your community Meaningful Chocolate Company Christmas Cracker Box
Meaningful Chocolate Company Host of Angels 43698 Single (102g) £3.99
67088 Single (6 x 25g) £9.99
50008 Case (18 x 102g) £64.80
54170 Case (6 x6) £53.94
Traditional Italian Panettone (750g) Single 61840 £12
Eat Your Hat Ultimate Gift Set 63426 £50.00
Traditional Italian Panettone 61840 Single (750g) £12.00
Eat Your Hat Coffee Gift Set 59292 £30.00
Candles on offer!
S e e w e b s HOP f o r m o r e d e t a i l s
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Thoughtful Christmas Presents & Cards
28956 CHRISTMAS PAWS Card WAS £4.75 NOW £2.50
38794 PEACE Card WAS £3.75 NOW £1.60
25516 THE NATIVITY Card WAS £4.75 NOW £2.50
29458 WINTER ROBINS Card WAS £4.75 NOW £2.50
47564 Acacia Wood Oval Dishes WAS £26.00 NOW £11.80
33184 Lia Bracelet WAS £12.00 NOW £4.80
33158 Lia Necklace WAS £16.00 NOW £6.10 65540 Acacia Wood Nut Dish WAS £38.00 NOW £18.30
65272 Aqua Stone Necklace WAS £15.00 NOW £7.10
66892 Orange Peel & Seeds Bracelet WAS £15.00 NOW £11.10
Available while stock lasts. Usual discounts apply. 10
29756 Shantini Bag WAS £48.00 NOW £24.80
64198 Emergency Vehicle Toys (2) WAS £10.00 NOW £5.70
Christmas Decorations for a joy-filled home
36676 Winter Cottage Scene WAS £22.00 NOW £8.10
37126 Silver Jingle Bell Wreath WAS £16.00 NOW £6.30
42100 Silver Sparkle Angel Decoration WAS £19.00 NOW £4.00 69850 Silver Sparkle Reindeer WAS £26.00 NOW £10.00
37520 Star Tree Topper & Decorations WAS £15.00 NOW £1.00
38948 Large Silver Foil Chiming Bells (3) WAS £25 NOW £9.30
60590 Snowflake Bowls WAS £15.00 NOW £2.50
37148 Festive Tree Plant Pot Stand WAS £20.00 NOW £7.90
33712 Away in a Manger Nativity WAS £58.00 NOW £22.70
50048 Nativity Silhouette Picture WAS £32.00 NOW £7.50
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Traidcraft ’s Producers Quite rightly, many of you want to know how the farmers and artisans in the developing world feel about what is happening at Traidcraft. Here are some of the messages we’ve received. In November, Traidcraft Exchange are launching an appeal to support our Traidcraft plc producers. See page 15 for more information and email hello@traidcraft.org if you’d like to learn more.
Manjeen, India “Traidcraft is a hope for many farmers and artisans, looking at it for a guarantee of livelihood from a vast geographical area of Asia, Africa and South America. Your presence
are braided with the crafts they made for Traidcraft… Our heart and our door is always open for Traidcraft. The CJW family is with the Traidcraft family in this crucial time.”
in three continents put challenges to the commercial
Apicoop, Chile
companies to bend their policies and adopt fair-trade … We
“Firstly with disbelief and astonished - to say the least- I
are still of an opinion, and live with hope that Traidcraft will
have read several times Traidcraft’s .. message … trying to
re-emerge as a winner at the horizon.”
find between lines if there’s any hidden message of hope in what seems a nightmare....If it helps in any way, throughout
Tara Projects, India “We will always be grateful to Traidcraft for their continuous support provided during the last four decades. It has played tremendous role in our lives and of thousands of
the world there’s uncountable number of producers whose lives have truly changed for better as a resulted of your devoted work … A huge huge hug for all.”
producers…. we will continue to fight for the rights of the
Noahs Ark, India
producers and the excluded in our society.”
“One time Traidcraft was our largest buyer and the business… we also increased our staff and run different project and
CORR-The Jute Works, Bangladesh “We have to share the message with the artisans and are we ready for their reaction? A lots of emotion, a lots of stories
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most important are related to health and education...we may have to reduce our staff, close the projects...At this point I can say that we very much need Traidcraft business for our survival.”
Time for Preparation - Advent Advent is traditionally a time for preparation within the
of Peace comes he will rule wisely. We pray for all those at
Church, preparing for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
Traidcraft’s home in Gateshead, for staff as they face redundancy
For
the
Traidcraft
family,
producers,
supporters
and
staff, Advent may be especially poignant this year. Tessa Conder, a Traidcraft member of staff, uses the Advent
and uncertain futures, may they know God’s peace during this season. We ask for anointing on Traidcraft’s leaders as they forge the future of Traidcraft. We pray for leaders of nations and organisations, for Godly wisdom that produces peace.
Wreath to reflect on Traidcraft’s past, present and future…
Sunday 16th December – this candle is pink, representing Joy.
The purple, pink and white candles sit in a circle, surrounded
When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born
by evergreen leaves. This circle reminds us of God’s eternal
to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song which included the
nature, no beginning, no end. It speaks of life, hope and renewal.
words “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the
The work Traidcraft set out to do continues. Producer partners
rich away empty.” We give thanks for the foundations laid, the lives
around the world still need justice in their trading
transformed by Traidcraft, the awareness raised
activities and this is matched by a continuing
over the last 40 years. We pray for all farmers and
passion in the UK to see trade justice. We’ve been
artisans throughout the world, whether connected
astonished by the outpouring of support and
with Traidcraft or not, that they would receive
concern from the church and supporters in
fair and full remuneration for their work.
the UK. I firmly believe God is raising up a
Sunday
new ministry from the ‘remnants’
23rd
December
the
final
purple candle is ignited. This is the
of Traidcraft which will keep
candle
of
connecting communities to
coming
create
is
Godly
–
justice.
the
Love. at
Christ’s Christmas
manifestation
of
Sunday 2nd December
God’s love for his people.
- a purple candle is lit
For Fair Traders love and
(often by a small child) on
justice are intertwined and their work is the outworking
the first Sunday of Advent. This
of their love for God and the exploited,
candle represents Hope and The
powerless,
Prophets. In the Old Testament
marginalised,
voiceless
peoples
God promised blessing on his people through
of the world. We pray that in our increasingly nationalist
the future coming of Christ. We thank God for the founders of
and
Traidcraft, those with the vision to create an alternative way of
Tuesday 25th December – Christmas Day, the central white
doing trade. We thank God for all the people and supporters,
candle is lit. The word has become flesh, Christ is born. Pure,
who over the last forty years have reinforced Traidcraft’s mission
light in the darkness. We pray that Christ will keep shining into the
and dreamt of a world where all trade is fair. The colour purple is
world of trade, exposing areas of darkness, bringing new life and
used to represent repentance as we prepare for Christ’s coming.
goodness so that all men and women are free from oppression
Sunday 9th December – the second purple candle is lit. This
and are paid fairly for their work. May Traidcraft continue and
candle represents Peace and Bethlehem. When the Prince
grow under Christ’s direction until the work is finished. Amen.
hostile
political
world
God’s
love
would
prevail.
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So many opportunities to sell
T H E C H R I S T M A S S E A S O N I S PA C K E D W I T H O P P O RT U N I T I E S FOR THEMED TRAIDCRAF T STALLS. WE CH ALLENGE YOU TO S E L L G O O D S AT A L L T H E S E E V E N T S I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y T H I S AUTUMN… I N T E R N AT I O N A L D AY F O R T H E A B O L IT I O N O F S L AV E RY - 2 N D DECEMBER
STIR-UP SUNDAY - 25TH NOVEMBER C H R I S T M A S FA Y R E S (SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES) THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
TREE DRESSING DAY - 1ST & 2ND DECEMBER
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BONFIRE NIGHT - 5TH
CHRISTINGLE SERVICES -
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Latest News From We need your support
Who picked my tea?
This Christmas help Traidcraft Exchange support craft producers and protect livelihoods... As a key part of the Traidcraft family, we are working hand in hand with the Traidcraft plc to support those Traidcraft plc producers most affected. If you’d like to receive our updates on this appeal, and the work we are looking to do with Traidcraft plc craft producers affected, please do get in touch at hello@traidcraft.org. There are lots of ways you can help - from committed giving, one off donations, to hosting church or community events using our new Christmas pack (perfect to boost your sales). You can order these by calling us on 0191 497 6445, or keeping an eye out for them on the shop resources page.
We’re giving you the chance to hear what life is like for tea workers in Assam and ask ‘Who picked my tea? There are still a few places available to hear from our speakers from India – book now! Visit www.traidcraft.org.uk/tea-tour/ or call 020 3752 5718 to book.
Traidcraft Exchange believes in the power of trade to change lives. We work directly with people living in poverty to help them get a better deal from trade, and by campaigning in the UK for fairer trade rules. We are determined to continue with this mission. But we need your support.
Traidcraft Exchange doesn’t receive any money from Traidcraft plc. But we do rely on support from Fair Traders like you who make top-up donations, give their end of year surplus and run Big Brews.
Newcastle: 7 November, 7-9pm, Newcastle University Manchester : 8 November, 7-9pm, University of Manchester Birmingham: 10 November, 2-4pm, Carrs Lane Church London: 11 November, 3-5pm, Westbourne Grove Church* * 11 November is Remembrance Sunday. We recognise the importance of this day but given the limited availability of our speakers, this is the only date we can use. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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Thank You
YOU’VE HELPED US DO SOME PRETTY INCREDIBLE THINGS OVER THE LAST 39 YEARS. JOIN US IN OUR 40TH YEAR, AS WE MAKE THE F U T U R E O F T R A I D C R A F T E V E N M O R E I M PA C T F U L .
WE ARE CONSIDERING HOLDING A THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR TRAIDCRAFT’S WORK OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE UPDATES ABOUT THIS PLEASE EMAIL H E L L O @ T R A I D C R A F T. C O . U K W I T H Y O U R D E T A I L S
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