The garment industry was once thriving in Fiji, major companies manufacturing here. When the tax incentives ran out, most of these big boys crunched theirs numbers moved production to the latest developing country offering benefits.

Sector crash…

With vast unemployment, a rise in crime, and qualified sewers door knocking for work as housegirls, the Fijian smile faltered.

We’ve established a network of home-based sewers,consolidating their solo efforts, linking their supply chain and creating a critical mass to service big orders. We are now working to expand this group in numbers and specialisation,including cutters, pattern makers and embroiderers.

With women based in Draunikula Village, Lepanoni Village, and the outskirts of Navua, we are generating fair employment and the fair trade premium, additional funds to be used for education scholarships and community initiatives.

Thanks to our Sewers Network, we’ve launched our first range of sewn products, a fun fashion label called Fiji Funkitsch, selling out in 3 hours!

Stay tuned folks, its only going to get better.

The FTCo Crew x

There is an excited buzz in the office, tea, cake and laughter celebrating our first wholesale order!

When we launched Fiji Funkitsch, a small fashion label, during Fair Trade Fortnight in May, we were racked with nerves.

Turns out we didn’t need to be scared. Fiji Funkitsch was met with such enthusiasm, the range selling out in just 3 hours.

And now, the cherry on the cake – our new friends at Global Conduct have emailed through their first order. We are off to Draunikula Village to share the news.

The FTCo Crew x

PS Pictures for you, events during Fair Trade Fortnight in Sydney.