For all Fairtrade and Beehive supporters we have some very sad news. Traidcraft PLC, the Christian pioneer of Fairtrade since 1979 has announced that unless there is a remarkable improvement in sales, they will have to cease trading at the end of December.
Despite its pioneer status and close links with churches across the UK, Traidcraft has been facing serious trading difficulties caused by many of the issues affecting all retailers and by the fall in the pound since the decision to leave the EU. Traidcraft’s ethical model also means it pays its suppliers on time and will not squeeze the prices it pays them – the enhanced prices for producers being the baseline of Fair Trade. The hope is that there may be a way of restarting in a different form next year.
On a more positive note Traidcraft Exchange (the charitable arm of the PLC) will continue to work with marginalised producers and help them find ways of trading themselves out of poverty.
Traidcraft have produced a great final catalogue with a wide range of really lovely products. It is very important they have a strong selling season this Autumn to give them the best chance of moving forward positively.
If you want to help Traidcraft please continue supporting The Beehive (formed in 2000 by members of MBC and other local churches and currently the only fully fair trade outlet in Leeds). We will be very much business as usual to the end of the year and beyond – as long as possible- and we are running stalls at MBC on October 28th and on November 25th for your Christmas preparations.
Please pray about this situation – for leaders and workers of Traidcraft based in Gateshead; for Church Leaders and all the ‘Fairtraders’ volunteering in the nation’s churches; and for outward – looking Christian concern and action for justice in God’s World.
Please, please follow this link to the Traidcraft website and read CEO Robin Roth’s statement: www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/traidcraft-update
To encourage Traidcraft you can email lovetraidcraft@traidcraft,co.uk