Accessing markets in the U.S. is very challenging.  We assist our partners in gaining experience by marketing their products directly to our U.S. and Canadian consumers on their behalf.  Planning for steady and reliable purchases from us is important, but as groups grow, they often tell us that they need more customers to increase sales.

Having a wide customer base is vital to the long-term sustainability of our partners. When they are ready, we develop the systems and connections needed to help them access new markets, expand their customer base and increase overall sales of their products.

Spotlight on our Market Expansion and Development Work

Unión Progresista Artesanal - Mexico - CD Catalog

When our partner, Union Progresista Artesanal (UPA) expressed the need to find more customers, we worked with them to develop a 3-year integrated plan designed to increase sales, production capacity and broaden their customer base. One part of that plan was to develop and distribute a digital catalog of their work to access potential new customers. Kerry Evans, our Product Development Specialist, spent a week with UPA developing new earrings, bracelets, pendants, pins, and other jewelry.  After many months of work, a CD catalog was produced in 2006 and sent to over 50 fair trade buyers.  Manual Alvarez, president of UPA, reports that the work of SERRV has helped UPA to increase its sales by 20%.  The CD catalog has brought in new orders, and other requests for samples. 

Eswatini Swazi Kitchen- Swaziland – Market Development

In 2006, Eswatini Swazi Kitchen was invited to market their jams and chutneys at the Fancy Food Show, a high profile and well attended marketplace for specialty foods, in Chicago.  They had received outside funding for their travel, but had never attended a trade show.  Being successful at a show like this requires more than just attendance; it requires special skills and planning.  We assisted Eswatini in having an attractive booth, and provided staff, logistical, and financial support.  In addition to helping make this experience positive, we also have supported Eswatini with funds to develop a website so potential buyers have a way to access them.