Transform Trade, a registered charity, is a global community of farmers, workers, collectives, campaigners, donors and supporters. We work together for trade that values people over profit. Previously named Traidcraft Exchange, we were set up to do what Traidcraft plc, a trading company, couldn’t do – campaign for change, and run life changing development projects in the Global South. We had a close working partnership with Traidcraft plc, until it’s sad closure in January 2023.

As part of the administration process we were given custody of the Traidcraft brand (the name, website, and logo used for the business). Traidcraft is an iconic name with an amazing legacy which we want to try and continue, albeit in a slightly different way.

Our vision for the Traidcraft brand is not to set up another online shop, but to support producers directly. We want to use the brand to help producers find routes to market and new opportunities to sell their products, and to attract social investment for these producers and give them a platform to share their story to reach new audiences and new networks.

You can read more about this and hear directly from two producer groups we are working with here.

At the moment, we are still in the really early planning stages with regards to Traidcraft – Transform Trade Charity Christmas card will be available for the 2023 season from store-transform-trade.org and we’re currently in conversations about bringing back the classic Traidcraft tea blends.

Long term, we need to see what else is feasible – and this takes time, and investment. We are not planning on selling any products directly ourselves at the minute but via our amazing network of ethical business partners. Please find a helpful directory of where to shop for all things fair trade and ethical here.

Through the administration of Traidcraft plc, we, at Transform Trade, recovered enough pieces to start again - the name, the logos, a web address. But the truth is most of Transform Trade's budget is tied up in our work, directly supporting workers, farmers and artisans around the world, and campaigns to tackle big picture injustice. We need to raise the funds to rebuild Traidcraft in a fresh way - to restore its essential impact, and build on years of amazing work. We know that with investment, time and development, Traidcraft could once again be an inspiration and a powerful force for good.

We want to ensure that Traidcraft has a positive future but it’s still early days. For instance, we're currently exploring the possibility of relaunching Traidcraft tea - to restore that route to the UK market and bring back the much-loved blends. But these conversations take time, and these initiatives need early investment to flourish. With you support, we know we’re in with the best chance of rebuilding Traidcraft in the right way, with the most impact.

All of your amazingly generous donations to this special Traidcraft re-build appeal or to any of Transform Trade’s work are received by Transform Trade (registered charity number 1048752) meaning all your gifts can qualify for Gift Aid if you’re a registered tax payer.

All your existing gifts via Direct Debit or Standing Order (whether they are made payable to Transform Trade, Traidcraft Exchange or Traidcraft) do not need to be amended – we, at Transform Trade, still gratefully receive your vital donations regularly and they form the backbone of our work across the world, transforming trade so everyone benefits. We cannot thank you enough.

Again, thank you so much – there is no quick fix for transforming trade but, in remembering us in your will, you are building a world where people and their rights are respected and where they can prosper according to their own ambitions. Transform Trade (still legally called Traidcraft Exchange, registered charity number 1048752) is still a thriving charity and your gift in your will is not only an act of true kindness, but an investment in communities. No action is required by you, thank you.

In this new chapter for Traidcraft, we’ll work in partnership with inspiring producer groups like Kazi Yetu. Because the answers to the biggest problems in trade are already out there - demonstrated by ethical producer groups around the world.

A great example of this is Meru Herbs, who produce jams and sauces using ingredients from local farmers in Kenya. They pay fair wages and run an entirely solar powered factory - an example that the wider world of business could do well to follow. We will work alongside producers to rebuild Traidcraft in the right way - as a positive resource and route to market for communities around the world.

We are proud to work in partnership exclusively with ethical businesses in the UK to directly support producers across the world who are experiencing exploitation and unfairness. 

Our ethical partners in the UK put people centred trade into practice, proving every day that trade which nourishes people and protects the planet can help solve some of the world’s greatest problems. You can find a useful directory of ethical shops suppliers compiled by members of the movement here.

We are currently working rapidly behind the scenes to launch our first ever Transform Trade Christmas cards to you by the end of August. Watch this space! Right now, you can still buy from our beautiful ethical gift card range here.

As soon as we have news on Traidcraft tea, we will let you know.