Kilombero RIce - The Story of a Partnership

Nicola Taylor • September 9, 2026

Seventeen years ago, a meeting at a trade fair event in Glasgow led to a partnership that continues today.

What began with a single container of Kilombero rice from northern Malawi has grown into a long-term relationship between KASFA, the farmer-owned association in Karonga, NASFAM, the national association which supports farmers and provides access to markets, and True Origin.

Today, as part of our celebration of National Rice Week and with huge thanks to all those involved in preparing this, we are delighted to launch a new case study telling the story of that partnership: 17 Years of Partnership – Trading Fairly, Growing Together.

One of the strengths of this partnership is the way the two sides of True Origin work together.

Through True Origin, we create a market in the UK for Kilombero rice. Through True Origin Partnerships, we have been able to support farmer-led projects and investment in areas including training, tools, irrigation and climate resilience.

Together with our partners in Malawi, this has meant that trade and development can work alongside each other – building a relationship that has lasted for 17 years.

Since 2009, over 600 tonnes of Kilombero rice have been imported through the partnership. But for the partnership to continue, we need to keep growing the market. Every bag of Kilombero rice you buy helps sustain a long-term trading relationship with farmers in northern Malawi.

Read the full case study to discover the story of the people, partnership and impact behind our Kilombero rice.

Trading fairly. Growing together.

SHOP KILOMBERO RICE READ THE CASE STUDY SUMMARY READ THE CASE STUDY

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True Origin Finalists in Two UK Social Enterprise Award Categories

By Angus Coull • September 3, 2026

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.

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By Angus Coull • July 28, 2026

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How to Run a True Origin Fair Trade Stall at Your Church

By Nicola Taylor • July 3, 2026

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.