About Us

🌿 Discover Unique Handcrafted Fair Trade Items for Natural Living
Since 2008, we’ve proudly partnered with talented artisans from Africa and beyond to create a Fair Trade collection that blends contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

🤝 We source directly from self-organised cooperatives, ensuring every item reflects the skill, story, and spirit of its maker. Many of our beautiful Fair Trade gifts are exclusive to The Friendly Trading Company—you won’t find them anywhere else.

🎁 Our range includes:
• Handmade Soapstone Bowls, vases, wine coolers & Sizzlers
• Olive wood 100% natural kitchenware
• Elegant Homeware and unique Gifts
• Vibrant Fashion, fun Jewellery, and traditional Art
• Authentic Musical Instruments, African carvings, and more

🌍 Our Story
After many years of worldwide travel through my work, I decided to combine my ambition to build a family business with a deep fascination for different cultures—and a strong sense of fair play. While many companies offer beautiful items from the Far East, far fewer focus on Africa. So that’s where we chose to begin.

🛍️ It had to be a Fair Trade business—one that offered handcrafted, high-quality items made from natural materials, sourced directly from co-operatives that don’t typically sell outside their local communities. We knew the range had to be broad enough to attract customers, and we wanted to collaborate with artisans to design practical, beautiful pieces for a wide audience.

🐴 Our office and store are based on our smallholding in Wiltshire, home to a cheerful crew of rescued animals—including ponies, sheep, and chickens. It’s a place where creativity, compassion, and culture come together.