Dignity Through Trade and Action

Angus Coull • July 10, 2025

Launching Our 2024/25 Annual Report


As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud to share our 2024/25 Annual Report — a testament to the continued strength of fair trade partnerships, community support, and the unwavering resilience of producers around the world – and of our staff team.

 

“Dignity Through Trade” isn’t just a phrase — it’s our purpose. Every decision we make, every product we offer, and every connection we build is guided by our commitment to trading fairly and having true impact at origin.

 

A Year of Growth, Challenge, and Deepening Partnerships

While 2024/25 brought its share of challenges — including a major product recall — it was also a year marked by progress and transformation. We expanded our product range, strengthened direct-to-consumer sales, and continued to put producer voices at the heart of everything we do.

 

Some highlights:

  • Online sales grew by over 30%, now making up nearly a third of our total revenue.
  • Our collaborative “and Friends” range saw a threefold increase in sales, accounting for over 25% of revenue.
  • We proudly relaunched Traidcraft Tea with Transform Trade on World Fair Trade Day, welcoming a wave of new customers into our community.
  • Four products earned Great Taste Awards, a nod to the quality and care behind our food.

 

Standing With Our Producer Partners

Whether through pre-finance, in-person visits, or climate-focused training, we deepened support for our producer partners:

  • Staff attended the World Fair Trade Organization summit in Cape Town and visited partners in Eswatini and South Africa
  • Howard Msukwa, a rice farmer from Malawi, inspired hundreds during his visit across Scotland, sharing firsthand how fair trade empowers communities.
  • Our parent charity, True Origin Partnerships (formerly The Balmore Trust), provided key support — from climate-smart training for young farmers to vital equipment for organic certification in Kenya.

 

Looking Ahead

While the year ended with a financial loss primarily due to the product recall, we remain optimistic and determined. In 2025/26, our focus is on recovery and renewal:

  • Exploring new producer partnerships
  • Growing our online customer base
  • Deepening impact through collaboration and storytelling


We’re grateful to our supporters, donors, partners, and team who made this work possible.


Read the full Annual Report here.


Thank you for helping us build a just world — one rooted in dignity, fairness, and food that truly makes a difference.


#FairTrade #ImpactAtOrigin #TrueOrigin #AnnualReport2025 #DignityThroughTrade


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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