Build a Better World

Nicola Taylor • July 1, 2022

JTS joins celebrations around the world for International Day of

Co-operatives this Saturday (July 2)

At JTS Fair Food Fine Food we are really pleased to be part of an exciting project being launched this weekend by the Central England Co-operative to support co-operatives and farmers’ associations in Malawi.


We are thrilled that Kilombero rice grown in and around Karonga in Northern Malawi will be available to Central England Co-operative customers from this weekend. The rice is supplied by KASFA, an inspiring association of smallholder rice farmers. KASFA work in conjunction with NASFAM, the largest independent, smallholder-owned membership organization in Malawi, to facilitate the import of rice to the UK.


Kilombero Rice has the been awarded the Ethical Consumer's 'Best Buy' for rice and both the white and brown rice have a Great Taste award assuring its good provenance and delicious taste. Buying their wonderful Kilombero rice at a fair and stable price provides the farmers with a sustainable income that is reinvested in their farms, providing better food security and the means to support and pay for their children's education.


Building on our 13 year partnership with KASFA, being part of the Co-operative International Trading Development project will enhance the farmers’ associations’ ability to strengthen community livelihoods as they seek to bring the poorest out of poverty. Together let’s Build a Better World. 


Please click the button below to read the Press Release issued by Central England Co-operative telling more about this exciting project.



Press Release
By Angus Coull September 11, 2026
The unique Kilombero Rice from Malawi is still available to purchase
A loveheart made out of white Kilombero rice from Malawi
By Nicola Taylor September 9, 2026
An insight into 17 years of partnership between a small fair trade organisation in Paisley and an association of smallholder rice farmers in Northern Malawi
By Angus Coull September 3, 2026
We are delighted to be shortlisted in the Consumer-Facing Social Enterprise of the Year and the International Impact Award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026. Produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK, the Awards celebrate the leading lights in our sector, showcasing diversity and impact across 15 categories. Social enterprises are businesses that trade for a social or environmental purpose, and reinvest at least half their profits to further that mission. There are more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, employing 2.3 million people, and we’re delighted to be recognised as one of the best in this pioneering business movement. Commenting on being a UK Social Enterprise Awards finalist, Tracy Mitchell MD said: “Being shortlisted for not one but two UK Social Enterprise Awards is a huge honour for everyone at True Origin. We are particularly proud that the nominations recognise both sides of what we are trying to achieve: building a successful consumer-facing business here in the UK, while creating meaningful and lasting impact with our producer partners internationally.
By Angus Coull July 28, 2026
Official recognition for our great tasting fair & fine food products
A woman standing at  church fair trade stall with lots of delicious fair trade products available
By Nicola Taylor July 3, 2026
A Fair Trade stall is about so much more than selling tea, coffee and chocolate. Every purchase supports smallholder farmers and producers who are working incredibly hard to build sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change, rising fuel costs and an unpredictable global market. For many of the communities we work with, having reliable customers is essential. By running a True Origin stall at your church, you become part of that support network, helping to create regular demand for products that often aren't available in supermarkets or high street shops. Whether your church is passionate about global justice, caring for creation or simply making a practical difference, a Fair Trade stall is a simple but powerful way to turn those values into action. Start Small You don't need a huge team or a large budget to get started. Begin by talking with your church leaders about the idea. Many churches are happy to provide a small loan or donation to purchase initial stock, particularly if it can be repaid gradually as sales grow. Remember that most of the income from a stall is best reinvested into buying more stock rather than raising money for church funds. This helps keep the stall sustainable and ensures producers continue to receive orders. If you're new to running a stall, don't worry, you won't be on your own. The True Origin team and experienced Fair Traders are always happy to share advice and practical tips.
By Angus Coull July 1, 2026
Assistance from True Origin Partnerships creates positive impact in Eswatini, Kenya and Malawi
By Angus Coull July 1, 2026
Resilience, Recovery & Renewal - Check out the True Origin Annual Report
By Angus Coull June 18, 2026
Fair on The Planet is Chapter 2 of the Fairtrade Foundation's Do it Fair Campaign. We are with them!
By Angus Coull May 15, 2026
Our board member, Karena shares her experience throughout Perth & Kinross
By Angus Coull May 14, 2026
WILL YOU JOIN US?