Welcome New Board Member, Matt Oliver

Mary Popple • August 28, 2024

I am delighted to announce that following the Board recruitment process we initiated earlier this year, Matt Oliver will be joining the board of True Origin next month. Many in the fair trade sector will know Matt from his time at Traidcraft and we believe that his experience at Traidcraft and his understanding of the retail fair trade market will be valuable assets to our business. 


Matt has retained an active interest in fair trade since leaving Traidcraft and along with his wife is the current custodian of fair trade sports ball brand Bala Sports CIC.


Matt has commented “It is so exciting to be asked to be a part of the team. For many years I have witnessed both the business, and the amazing team grow and mature into a beacon of ethical trading. The commitment to trade justice and to bringing quality products to conscientious consumers is inspirational. I am honoured to be a small part of the story and looking forward to seeing True Origin’s reach grow and grow.”  


You can read more about Matt’s background here (scroll to end of the page). 


There will be a chance to meet Matt and other board members of True Origin at the Scottish Fair Trade Campaigner Conference in Paisley on 14th September and at the True Origin warehouse afterwards. 


As we have said before, we are a small but complex organisation and take the view that a six-month trial period on our Board is a good way for individuals and ourselves to make sure that we fit together. This reduces risks on both sides and so Matt will join on a trial basis through to March 2025. Please join me in welcoming Matt.


Mary Popple

Chair, True Origin


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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