December 2012

This was the year for BFT to consolidate it’s business model and social mission. For the first time since we started the business we produced and delivered over 10.000 garments, including third party designs. These number had a direct impact in over 60 families that received fair wages and additional income year round.

We want to thank all our customers and the people that believed and supported our idea year after year.

December 2011

Bolivia Fair Trade contributed with more than $ 1.700 to the success and future activities of the Cultural Survival Bazaar during the month of December 2011. Thank to all the people that participated and contributed to this event. Happy Holidays!

December 2010

With the support of our customers and volunteers a new group of artisans joined our efforts to export quality goods to the world. Now we can offer knitting, weaving and crochet Alpaca products.

News Letter 2008

For Bolivia Fair Trade (BFT), 2008 was a year to prove that is feasible to do good while doing business. Our sales growth five times this year from the previous one, but still we are only close to break even.

Despite the economic crisis, consumers value commitment to social purpose. New findings from this year’s Good Purpose global study of consumer attitudes reveal that nearly seven in 10 (68%) consumers would remain loyal to a brand during a recession if it supports a good cause.

Returning customers want to know more about what we are doing, and how we are preparing for 2009. BFT works directly with artisans in Bolivia, in El Alto and La Paz in particular, providing an opportunity to sell their products to the world. Instead of buying their production we help with the designs, colors and trends of the designs, and provide advice and financial support when needed, so the artisans have concentrate only in the production.

BFT has been build loyalty among suppliers (artisans), by paying above minimum wages and ensuring a reasonable compensation for their work in terms of the local economy. BFT is specializing in Alpaca Wool clothing and Accessories and now is producing customized orders for designers and boutiques.

In their 2009 Trend Forecast, Toniq, a New York based branding agency, predicts “causism” will replace “consumerism” as people of all ages, genders and backgrounds think about their place in the world – their purpose, contribution, personal legacy.

For BFT 2009 will be the year to generate real impact in the Bolivian Artisan community and consolidate de business model. But the current economy and political events around the world while bring enormous challenges. Sales and production will be harder to predict. The suspension of the ATPDEA trade preferences for Bolivia will increase our costs and make our venture less competitive to Peruvian and Ecuadorian artisans. BFT is striving to get certified by the Fair Trade Federation.

At BFT we see all these challenges as an opportunity to bring much needed change to the way business are conducted in Bolivia, and provide hope to artisans and their families for a better future preserving their traditions and way of life.