JTS Annual Report 2020 / 2021
Nicola Taylor • October 26, 2021
Dignity through Trade
We are delighted to share our review of 2020/21 with you, a year with both huge challenges and notable achievements. This was a year where we continued to work closely with our producer partners and where our staff went above and beyond to respond to the challenges of the pandemic.
Read Annual Report
Read Fairtrade Movement Position Paper
The pandemic affected our whole supply chain. We were extremely humbled by the concern expressed by our producer partners when the UK was suffering the worst of the first phase of the pandemic and pleased to be able to honour and indeed increase our orders from these partners as the pandemic situation worsened for them.
We were delighted to be awarded WFTO Guaranteed Status demonstrating that we adhere to the ten principles of Fair Trade. With the climate emergency upon us, and COP26 being held in Glasgow in a few days, never before have these principles been more important, and the work that JTS undertakes more significant.
A recent report issued by the fair trade movement (which you can find below), highlighted the opportunities for producers, workers, and consumers to partner together to adopt more nature-based solutions, with smallholder farmers playing a vital role in feeding the world and doing so sustainably. We endorse that report and firmly believe that there can be no climate justice without trade justice.
We will continue to focus on putting people and planet first and we look forward to your support to help us fulfil our mission to provide Dignity through Trade.
We hope you enjoy reading our brief report.
Please click the buttons below to read the JTS Annual Report and the Fair Trade Movement Position Paper “Placing fairness at the heart of climate ambitions”
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
Black Mamba is a small African Producer based in Eswatini, they are changing lives through their jams and chillies and working with True Origin
A Message from Tracy Mitchell, Managing Director, & Alistair Menzies, Chair of the Board
The Story of Beer Bread from a granny's kitchen in South Africa to the UK and beyond.
HOW EVERY JAR FROM TRUE ORIGIN CHANGES LIVES IN RURAL KENYA
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