True Origin Shortlisted in Food & Drink Federation Awards

Angus Coull • July 8, 2024

Fingers crossed!

We are excited to have been shortlisted in this years Food and Drink Federation Awards. The annual awards recognise innovation, industry talent and healthier product development across the food and drink sector.


The other businesses shortlisted in the Net Zero Initiative category are; British Sugar, Eden Geothermal, Weetabix Food Company and Nomad Foods. We are up against some very stiff competition, but looking forward to the event in London in September.


“Respect for the Environment” is one of the ten fair trade principles which True Origin adheres to as a WFTO Guaranteed Member and one which has clearly increased in importance as the extent of the climate emergency has become ever clearer. We believe there can be no climate justice without fair trade, highlighting that smallholder farmers and workers are part of the solution to the climate crisis. 


Over recent years we have reviewed our environmental policy and net zero ambitions, and this is driving actions throughout our business. Some of the actions we are undertaking::


  • Supported our parent charity, the Balmore Trust (now known as True origin partnerships) as they raisedfunds for a Briquette Project – led by women farmers in Malawi this award-winning project is seeking to reduce deforestation and waste by creating fuel briquettes from rice husks.


  • Launched new resources within our 90kg Rice Challenge packs to enable schools to teach about climate change with real-life examples.
  • Reviewed our waste streams and increased the percentage we recycle.
  • Implemented changes to our shipping practices to reduce the carbon footprint associated with imports - double layering containers and consolidating shipments from two suppliers to maximize the container fill and avoid waste.
  • Focused on eliminating food waste, using our foodbank fund to give any short-dated stock away. 
  • Significantly increased our organic range conscious of the benefits this brings to the planet.
  • Taken an active part in Veganuary, highlighting the benefits of introducing plant-based meals to your diet and increasing the range of vegan friendly recipes on our website.
  • Extended our range of products available in bulk for zero waste shops.  


We will continue to focus on putting people and planet first, playing our part in building an economic system which is socially-just and planet-friendly. 


We are working on a climate policy which will build on our environmental policy and specifically consider additional actions around net zero and carbon footprint. We are reviewing our work and how it aligns with the SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals) and considering how we can better raise awareness of the climate credentials of our products, highlighting conscious consumerism as a priority for those who are concerned with climate matters. 


Through all this we are seeking to reduce our environmental impact. As one practical example, we are currently testing recyclable packaging tape for orders.


Working with True Origin Partnerships (our parent charity) we hope to be able to share best practice between our various producer and to learn from them about how they are adapting to climate change and how we can support them in these initiatives.


The FDF Awards will bring together 600 guests to celebrate the winners and industry achievements from the last year. The FDF Awards 2024, sponsored by KPMG, will be hosted by the Irish chef, author of cookbooks and television presenter Clodagh McKenna, on Thursday 19th September at The Roundhouse in London.


Fingers crossed!


Read more about the FDF Awards here.

Exciting times ahead at True Origin

By Angus Coull • December 2, 2025
A Message from Tracy Mitchell, Managing Director, & Alistair Menzies, Chair of the Board
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By Angus Coull • July 10, 2025
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Celebrating the Ethical Consumer 'Best Buy' Seal of Approval

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.