A Statement from the Chair and MD

Nicola Taylor • December 6, 2024

Statement Regarding Products from Eswatini Kitchen

As some of our customers are aware, it came to our attention on 27th November that there is a quality issue with our Peach and Ginger Jam that we source from our supplier, Eswatini Kitchen.


We are investigating the issues. We have sent samples to an independent laboratory for testing to help us understand the issue and whether it impacts other products from the same production run. We are also working closely with Eswatini Kitchen to identify the root cause and prevent it from happening again.


As of 6 December, we are still awaiting the lab results and on further feedback from Eswatini Kitchen. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information and issue further instructions as appropriate.



In the meantime, the guidance remains the same: we advise that you do not sell or consume the products listed on the original email (see below for reminder of the list). Please be aware that products with gold lids are from a previous production run and are NOT impacted. We have now included a photo to show where the producer details can be found to help you identify the products: 

Please also be assured that this issue is isolated to the Eswatini Kitchen product range and these products are no longer available on our website. The rest of our Christmas gifting range is not affected as we source these products from other suppliers. 


As a small social enterprise, this situation has been incredibly challenging for us and has come at a time of many other pressures. Like many small businesses, we rely on sales in the lead up to Christmas to keep us afloat throughout the year, sustaining five jobs here in Paisley, enabling us to work directly with and support marginalised producers in four African countries as well as supporting other fair trade businesses and also tackling poverty here in the UK.


As a valued customer, your support up has been the reason we’ve been able to continue running our social enterprise and trading fairly. If you can, we ask that you keep buying from our Christmas gift range and across our wider range True Origin | Food that has True Impact at Origin – True Origin Retail .


Thank you for your patience and understanding and for supporting fair trade. This really does mean the world to us. 

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss ways to support us, please get in touch: info@trueorigin.org.uk


Mary Popple and Tracy Mitchell



Products affected are listed below and also Gift Packs that contain any of these items:


  • Medium Curry Sauce
  • Swazi Fire
  • Lime Pickle
  • Mango Pickle
  • Vegetable Pickle
  • Hot Mango Chutney
  • Mixed Fruit Chutney
  • Pineapple Chutney
  • Lime Marmalade
  • Orange Marmalade
  • Orange & Cinnamon Marmalade
  • Marula Jelly
  • Peach & Ginger Jam
  • Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade
  • Sweet Piquante Peppers


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We’re absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news: Ethical Consumer has extended its prestigious Best Buy status to the entire True Origin product range and Traidcraft Tea! This recognition previously applied only to our True Origin Kilombero rice, but now it covers all True Origin products — and our beloved Traidcraft Tea as well. This is a huge moment for us — and for everyone who chooses to shop with purpose. The Best Buy label is Ethical Consumer’s highest ethical rating, reserved for brands and products that go above and beyond in areas like environmental impact, workers’ rights, sustainability, and transparency. To receive this mark across our True Origin product range is a powerful endorsement of our ongoing commitment to fairness, justice, and sustainability in global trade – and of the way we do business here in the UK too. Ruairidh Fraser, researcher at Ethical Consumer, said “True Origin are clear ethical leaders in their field, so we're delighted to expand our Best Buy certification to cover all of their branded products. It’s rare to find a company of True Origin’s size which demonstrates such a comprehensive understanding of its social and environmental impact.” He continued “True Origin scored 100/100 for its approach to its supply chain, going above and beyond to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and their communities supported. From agriculture to food waste, they are rejecting greenwash and are instead focused on doing the right thing where it matters." From the fragrant Kilombero rice grown in the heart of Malawi to the rich, responsibly sourced Traidcraft Tea, from the fantastic relishes and spices from South Africa to the exotic Kenyan jams — every product in our portfolio stands for dignity, opportunity, and ethical excellence.  We couldn’t have done it without our producer partners, staff and customers. Every time you choose True Origin or Traidcraft, you’re choosing a better world — and now you’ve got Ethical Consumer’s seal of approval to back that choice. 🛒 Explore the full Best Buy-approved range here . 📣 Spread the word and tag us when you share the news! Together, we’re changing trade for good. See Ethical Consumer Best Buy Label