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”
The unique Kilombero Rice from Malawi is still available to purchase
An insight into 17 years of partnership between a small fair trade organisation in Paisley and an association of smallholder rice farmers in Northern Malawi
We are delighted to be shortlisted in the Consumer-Facing Social Enterprise of the Year and the International Impact Award at the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026. Produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK, the Awards celebrate the leading lights in our sector, showcasing diversity and impact across 15 categories. Social enterprises are businesses that trade for a social or environmental purpose, and reinvest at least half their profits to further that mission. There are more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK, employing 2.3 million people, and we’re delighted to be recognised as one of the best in this pioneering business movement. Commenting on being a UK Social Enterprise Awards finalist, Tracy Mitchell MD said: “Being shortlisted for not one but two UK Social Enterprise Awards is a huge honour for everyone at True Origin. We are particularly proud that the nominations recognise both sides of what we are trying to achieve: building a successful consumer-facing business here in the UK, while creating meaningful and lasting impact with our producer partners internationally.
Official recognition for our great tasting fair & fine food products
A Fair Trade stall is about so much more than selling tea, coffee and chocolate. Every purchase supports smallholder farmers and producers who are working incredibly hard to build sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change, rising fuel costs and an unpredictable global market. For many of the communities we work with, having reliable customers is essential. By running a True Origin stall at your church, you become part of that support network, helping to create regular demand for products that often aren't available in supermarkets or high street shops. Whether your church is passionate about global justice, caring for creation or simply making a practical difference, a Fair Trade stall is a simple but powerful way to turn those values into action. Start Small You don't need a huge team or a large budget to get started. Begin by talking with your church leaders about the idea. Many churches are happy to provide a small loan or donation to purchase initial stock, particularly if it can be repaid gradually as sales grow. Remember that most of the income from a stall is best reinvested into buying more stock rather than raising money for church funds. This helps keep the stall sustainable and ensures producers continue to receive orders. If you're new to running a stall, don't worry, you won't be on your own. The True Origin team and experienced Fair Traders are always happy to share advice and practical tips.
Assistance from True Origin Partnerships creates positive impact in Eswatini, Kenya and Malawi
Resilience, Recovery & Renewal - Check out the True Origin Annual Report
Fair on The Planet is Chapter 2 of the Fairtrade Foundation's Do it Fair Campaign. We are with them!
Our board member, Karena shares her experience throughout Perth & Kinross
