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
A woman farmer in South Africa harvesting her chillies ready or them to be turned into chilli sauce
By Nicola Taylor January 27, 2026
A woman farmer in South Africa harvesting her chillies ready or them to be turned into chilli sauce
The impact at origin of Sunshine Nuts in Mozambique is truly remarkable
By Nicola Taylor December 18, 2025
The impact at origin of Sunshine Nuts in Mozambique is truly remarkable
A smallholder farmer in Eswatini with a handful of chillies grown on her land.
By Nicola Taylor December 18, 2025
Black Mamba is a small African Producer based in Eswatini, they are changing lives through their jams and chillies and working with True Origin
By Angus Coull December 2, 2025
A Message from Tracy Mitchell, Managing Director, & Alistair Menzies, Chair of the Board
An image of the three flavours of Beer Bread - Garlic & Herb, Chilli & Garlic, Olive & Rosemary
By Nicola Taylor December 2, 2025
The Story of Beer Bread from a granny's kitchen in South Africa to the UK and beyond.
Women farmer in rural Kenya
By Nicola Taylor November 5, 2025
HOW EVERY JAR FROM TRUE ORIGIN CHANGES LIVES IN RURAL KENYA
By Tracy Mitchell October 1, 2025
Turning every cup into change
By Angus Coull August 26, 2025
Join us for an online get together
By Angus Coull July 10, 2025
Launching Our 2024/25 Annual Report
By Tracy Mitchell June 30, 2025
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