Traidcraft
Traidcraft is a UK-based alternative trading organisation, established in 1979, dedicated to ‘fighting poverty through trade’. The organisation has two components: a trading company called Traidcraft plc, which offers a range of fairly traded products in the UK; and a development charity (Traidcraft Exchange) that specialises in making trade work for the poor. Its sales are now worth more than £16 million per year.
Traidcraft was set up to ‘establish a more equitable trading system that will express the principles of love and justice fundamental to the Christian faith’ and has also been fighting poverty through trade since August 1979.
Launched from the top floor of a 1920s warehouse (India House, Carliol Square) in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne by Richard Adams, with just six members of staff, it has often taken the lead in new ideas on sustainable and fair trading.
The first catalogue was hand-drawn featuring a small selection of Jute products from Bangladesh but within two years tea, coffee and subsequently a wide range of foodstuffs were introduced.
