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People Tree

Managing Director, Melanie Traub, spoke to members and supporters at our recent York event. Here she tells us about what it is like to work in fair trade.

Why do you work in fair trade?
I have worked in retail for many years now and have travelled around the world and seen how clothes are made. I have seen some of the best and some of the worst factories. Once you have had that opportunity, it makes it an easy decision to work in fair trade. It means you know that those working in the factories and farms are getting a fair price and proper working conditions for the goods they work so hard to make.                   

Do you have a message for 17c�����Ƶ Interest investors?
The ongoing support from 17c�����Ƶ has made a real difference to us as a business and ultimately, our producers.17c�����Ƶ supported us when trading was tough. When orders picked up, we struggled with cash flow to order enough goods to meet the demand – 17c�����Ƶ was there to help us again. So my message is simple – thank you.                                            

You can read more about People Tree at  

Tropical Wholefoods

Tropical Wholefoods is one of 17c�����Ƶ’s long-standing customers, and has been working with us since 1998. Founding Director, Adam Brett, talks to us about his own fair trade journey.

What does Tropical Wholefoods do?
Tropical Wholefoods works with producer partners who produce dried fruit, vegetable and nut products. We help these partners to improve their systems, so they can produce products of the highest quality standards, supply European customers, and be paid fair prices. We also strive to include good systems for farmer and worker representation, and fairness in the businesses that supply us.��������

In the UK, we import, store, package and market branded dried fruit and nut products. Virtually all our products are Fairtrade and Organic, and sourced from smallholder farmers. In a few cases, it can be hard to certify products due to low volumes or other issues, but we always try to buy the best products we can.������������������������������

“Tropical Wholefoods could not exist without the loan we and��our partners receive from 17c�����Ƶ, so my message is��pretty simple: Thank you. Without you, we would not be here.”

������������What is your favourite fair trade��product?
I think I have to say Clipper Fairtrade Tea, as I drink fie or six cups of it every day! I also love the Zaytoun olive oil products – that is another incredibly inspiring fair trade story.����������

You can read more about Tropical Wholefoods at������������

Little Green Radicals

Little Green Radicals formed in 2005 and became a 17c�����Ƶ customer earlier this year, receiving a loan to support their strategy for growth. Their founder, Nick Pecorelli, spoke to us about the challenges they face and why they chose to start a business in fair trade.

What is the most inspiring or��surprising encounter you have had with a fair trade producer?
In the early days, I used to love going out to meet producers because I would often end up being invited into their houses. Meeting families and sharing the food on which they depend on so much for their livelihood is quite humbling.����

Do you have a message for 17c�����Ƶ��Interest’s investors?
My message is to simply emphasise the importance of having successful fashion brands in the fair trade space. Products like coffee and chocolate have reached the mainstream. In fashion, I think the complexities of the supply chain and the different ethical issues distract people. Whether it be the use of landfill, poor treatment of workers or pesticide use, the public cannot grapple with them all, and the fair trade message gets diluted or lost.
It is therefore vital that brands with popular products are also advocates for fair trade, and prove it can be done.��������������������

You can read more about Little Green Radicals at������������������������������������������������
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