Exciting times ahead at True Origin

Angus Coull • December 2, 2025

A Message from Tracy Mitchell, Managing Director, & Alistair Menzies, Chair of the Board

As we approach the end of 2025, we’ve been reflecting together on what an extraordinary (and extraordinarily challenging) year it has been for True Origin. Many of you will remember the product recall last December and the really difficult months that followed. It really tested us; our resilience, our partnerships, our operations, and yes—our optimism.


And yet, through all of it, our community of customers and supporters stayed with us. You continued to believe in what True Origin stands for and in the producers whose livelihoods depend on this mission. Thank you! Your support has meant everything as we have worked through this period of recovery and renewal.


Today, we are absolutely delighted to share some genuinely exciting news about the future. We’ve hinted at this over the course of the year and now we can share that out of the challenges of this past year, something remarkable has emerged: we are very proud to be launching two new, values-aligned producer partnerships early in 2026.


Introducing Black Mamba Foods (Eswatini) & Sunshine Nuts (Mozambique)



Black Mamba Foods (Eswatini)

Many of you will already know the incredible work Black Mamba does; creating delicious, ethically produced sauces, pesto’s, and condiments while working hand-in-hand with local smallholder farmers. Their commitment to regenerative farming, fair supply chains, and community uplift mirrors our own. When Jade and Nicola visited them in 2024 as part of their trip to the WFTO summit in South Africa they were immediately inspired. We believe their products will bring you flavours and values that you, our customers, will love.

Sunshine Nuts (Mozambique)

Even better, Black Mamba introduced us to another exceptional partner: Sunshine Nuts, a social enterprise transforming the cashew value chain in Mozambique. Sunshine Nuts employs and empowers local people, sources directly from smallholder farmers, and reinvests a significant portion of profits into community projects. Their roasted and seasoned cashews are the best we’ve ever tasted. When I (Tracy) met some of their team in Germany in October it was genuinely one of the most inspiring trips I have ever been on. 

These two producer partners open the door to entirely new stories, new flavours, and new opportunities for impact.



A Huge Team Effort


Getting to this point has been a massive undertaking.
From recipe testing and product approvals to packaging, logistics, and compliance, the True Origin team has worked tirelessly, often under intense pressure, to bring this new range to life.

We also want to recognise the phenomenal work of the producer teams in Eswatini and Mozambique. Their energy, creativity, and passion have invigorated all of us. We’ve tasted the products, spent time with the teams, and seen first-hand how much care goes into every jar, bottle, and bag. We LOVE these products, and we think you will too.

And perhaps most importantly: they reflect exactly what True Origin is about—great taste with genuine impact.


Looking Ahead: A Fresh Chapter in 2026


With our first shipment now on its way, we are finally able to look ahead with real excitement. These products will form a key part of our refreshed range for 2026. 


To celebrate, we’re planning a special True Origin Live launch event provisionally on Thursday 22nd January 2026 (early evening) where we hope representatives from Black Mamba and Sunshine Nuts will introduce the new range and share more of the producer stories. Keep an eye out for details coming soon.


Thank You


This year has been hard. But it has also highlighted what makes True Origin special: our values, our partners, our team, and our supporters. Thank you for sticking with us. Thank you for believing in this work.


Here’s to a brighter, bolder, more resilient True Origin in 2026.


We can’t wait to share it with you. Please do sign up to our newsletter if you aren’t already on the circulation to be the first to know when the new products are available. 


With gratitude,


Tracy Mitchell, Managing Director
Alistair Menzies, Chair of the Board




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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

Welcoming Alistair Menzies as New Chair of True Origin Board

By Angus Coull • June 30, 2025
Alistair has been a True Origin director since 2020, having spent most of his career within the food industry across a range of commercial, marketing and management roles. With 30 years in management and 25 working for food businesses including Divine and Traidcraft, he has brought a breadth of experience across several categories including hot beverages, snacks, chilled, frozen as well as enjoyable spells in confectionery and wines. Alistair has enjoyed working in fair-trade where every sale ensures fair prices and additional benefits to farming communities and has had the privilege of visiting several producer groups in Chile (vineyards and honey co-operatives), and Ghana (cocoa farmers as well as tropical fruits). “Since joining the board of True Origin in 2020 I’ve seen firsthand how resilient and adaptable the team are when faced with the challenges of global disruptions, ever changing market conditions, and the logistics of shipping products from east and southern Africa to Paisley. All this, to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and food manufacturers in the region. I am delighted to be continuing my journey with True Origin and look forward to building on the hard work that has gone before” Alistair Menzies.

A Real Sense of Palestine from Zaytoun

By Angus Coull • June 24, 2025
At True Origin we have always loved the range of products from Zaytoun, so when we set up our True Origin & Friends section on our online shop, stocking the delicious olive oils, almonds, dates, maftoul, feekeh and za’atar was a priority. We also love their hand crafted soaps. Palestinian Producers Need our Support More than Ever. True Origin MD, Tracy Mitchell says we can all help, whilst enjoying great quality food from this particular part of the Middle East. “We're proud to offer Zaytoun products at True Origin — they embody ethical sourcing, outstanding quality, and a powerful story of resilience. By bringing these goods to our customers, we’re directly supporting Palestinian producers and helping sustain livelihoods in some of the world’s most challenging conditions. These ingredients don’t just taste good — they do good." Zaytoun CIC is a social enterprise inspired by a love of Palestinian culture, communities and cuisine. They exist to support Palestinian farmers through fair trade – 100% of their profits are reinvested into delivering this mission. So buying Zaytoun products is a great way to ensure a sustainable future for food producers, particularly in these most challenging of times. Choosing and cooking Palestinian food, as Tracy says is a great way to make a positive difference in the lives of the families who rely on selling their unique produce.

True Origin MD Speaks at Launch of new UK Malawi Chamber of Commerce Scotland Chapter

By Angus Coull • June 12, 2025
Our MD Tracy Mitchell was delighted to take part in the launch of the UK Malawi Chamber of Commerce Scotland (UKMCC) Chapter in Edinburgh today. The event was hosted by the Scotland Malawi Partnership and chaired by Mr Hannington Gondwe, Chief Executive of the UKMCC. It was an inspiring afternoon thinking about growing meaningful trade partnerships between Malawi and Scotland (and the UK more widely). Guests heard from several distinguished speakers including; by video link the President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera and the Minister of Trade and Industry. Vitombiko Mumba, The focus was on wealth creation, job creation and food security as part of its Vision 2063 and clearly sees trade as crucial for transformation.

Update on our jam, marmalade, chutney and sauce product range

By Tracy Mitchell • June 6, 2025
At True Origin, we know many of you love our range of jams, marmalades, chutneys, and sauces from Eswatini Kitchen and have been awaiting an update on their availability. Unfortunately, after six months, we have still not received any clear answers or reassurances to give us confidence that the food safety issue that came to light in November 2024 has been properly addressed. As a result, we are not able to restock these products. As a fair trade business, guided by the Ten Principles of Fair Trade, True Origin sought the guidance and advice of WFTO on this matter to ensure that we have done as much as we possibly could to avoid this outcome. We are, however, seeking a new supplier to continue supporting farmers and producers in the Kingdom of Eswatini and to provide you with fair trade jams, marmalades, chutneys and sauces. We will of course let you know as soon as we have replacement products confirmed. The following products are being discontinued: • Peach & Ginger Jam • Lime Marmalade • Orange Marmalade • Orange & Cinnamon Marmalade • Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade • Medium Curry Sauce • Swazi Fire • Lime Pickle • Mango Pickle • Vegetable Pickle • Hot Mango Chutney • Mixed Fruit Chutney • Pineapple Chutney • Piquante Peppers Marula Jelly The details for the recall are here . Please note that the following jams and sauces are still available as these come from different suppliers: Guava Jam Hibiscus Jam Papaya & Lemon Jam Pineapple Jam Tomato & Chilli Sauce Tomato & Garlic Sauce If you have any questions, please do get in touch info@trueorigin.org.uk