Creating Impact Through Food

Angus Coull • March 2, 2026

More than a food company


At True Origin, we often say that we are more than a food company.


But what does that really mean?


Today, we’re pleased to launch a new leaflet that explains — simply and clearly — how we create impact through food, and why every product we sell is part of something much bigger. Download the leaflet here.


One shared vision, two connected parts


True Origin operates as two closely connected organisations: True Origin Foods, our social enterprise business, and True Origin Partnerships, our charity. Together, we work towards a shared vision of a fairer world where trade helps unlock opportunity for producer partners and their communities.


This new leaflet focuses on the work of True Origin Foods — the trading side of our organisation — and how our commercial activities directly create positive impact at origin. Alongside this, True Origin Partnerships strengthens relationships and builds producer capacity, supporting sustainable livelihoods through project work. 


Food as a force for good


Our starting point is straightforward: exceptional food can change lives when it is traded fairly.


We work directly with producer partners — many of them smallholder farmers and small-scale food producers in economically marginalised communities — to bring high-quality, ethical foods to UK consumers. But our goal isn’t just sourcing products. It is building long-term partnerships that enable producers and their communities to thrive.

Every purchase helps strengthen livelihoods, improve incomes, and create greater economic stability at origin.


A connected approach to impact


Impact doesn’t happen through one action alone. It comes from a whole system working together.

Our approach combines:


• Direct partnerships with producers, built on fairness and mutual respect

• Collaboration with like-minded organisations to widen access to ethical foods

• Growing a sustainable social enterprise, so we can increase purchases from our partners year after year

• Raising awareness, helping consumers understand the real stories behind their food


By connecting these elements, we create a cycle where business growth directly increases social impact.


Why this matters


We believe trade can be a powerful tool for justice — when it prioritises people and planet.

Through fair trade principles, we aim to:


• enhance livelihoods for farmers and producers

• strengthen long-term relationships and resilience

• expand access to ethical food choices for consumers

• empower people to make informed, values-driven purchasing decisions


In short, impact happens both at origin and here at home, through the choices we all make.


Be part of the impact


This leaflet captures how our trading model delivers impact — but more importantly, it reflects the collective effort of our producer partners, staff, customers, supporters, and collaborators who make this work possible.


If you would like to support this work, the simplest and most powerful way is to choose from our range of fairly traded food as part of your everyday shopping. Every purchase of True Origin products helps us grow demand, increase orders from our producer partners, and deepen the impact created together.


We invite you to explore the leaflet, discover our range, and buy with purpose — knowing that your food choices are helping create sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities at origin.


Because when food is traded fairly, it doesn’t just taste good — it does good too.


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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