News | Essential Trading Co-operative

Global News

Fairtrade: Transforming Trade for a Better Tomorrow

Find out about the importance of fair prices, decent working conditions, and sustainable practices, and explore the myriad benefits of supporting Fairtrade. Dive in and see how Fairtrade is transforming trade for a better tomorrow.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Marigold Health Foods

Marigold Health Foods blends taste, health, and sustainability in every product. Led by Managing Director Peter Langsam, the brand remains committed to creating plant-based, flavourful, and nutritious options without artificial ingredients. Their legacy continues to inspire a food revolution that nourishes both body and planet.

Customer News

Nature's Choice | Support Our Independents

Nature's Choice is a wonderful health food and refill shop located in the beautiful town of Chipping Sodbury. Lee at Essential spoke to show owner Karen about the importance of shopping on your local high street and the unmatched customer service that independent businesses deliver.

Product News

Your Guide to Plant Milk

Plant milks are all the rage, offering unique flavours and benefits that cater to every taste and diet. From protein-packed soya and pea milks to creamy oat milk that’s perfect for your morning coffee, there’s something for everyone. Choosing plant milk is a simple way to boost your health and do good for the planet.

Global News

Essential’s Guide to BBQ’s This Summer

Discover how to host an unforgettable vegan BBQ with our top plant-based recipes and tips. From juicy Moving Mountains Burgers and colourful veggie kabobs to creamy potato salad and crunchy fresh coleslaw, create a delicious and sustainable feast that aligns with your ethical values.

Product News

Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit

Originating from Southeast Asia, jackfruit offers a neutral flavour and fibrous texture, making it an ideal substitute for meat in many dishes. Whether used in tacos, curries, or sandwiches, jackfruit proves to be a versatile and delicious addition to any plant-based kitchen.

Global News

Chocolate price increases due to global supply issues

As a result of the price of cocoa beans going up, we are expecting to see price increases across lots of our chocolate products.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Muti

Fermented hot sauces packed with vibrancy, flavour, and gut-nourishing nutrients, Muti offers a unique blend of natural ingredients that not only elevate the taste of your meals but also support digestive health. Muti is a delicious and health-conscious choice for spice enthusiasts.

Customer News

Coexist Community Kitchen | Support Our Independents

Coexist Community Kitchen is a non-profit cookery school in Easton, Bristol. They believe that everyone should have spaces where they can share food, learn and teach skills, and create connections with others.

Global News

The Power of Workers' Co-operatives

In a world grappling with inequality and environmental degradation, workers' co-operatives offer a promising path towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Seep

Seep have created a plastic-free range of home care products, which include sponges, cloths and bin liners that are easy to use, easy on the planet and easy on the eye.

Global News

Embracing Zero Waste Shopping: A Step Towards Sustainable Living

Embracing zero waste shopping is a step towards sustainable living, offering the opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet through mindful consumption choices.

Global News

Beyond the Plate: Exploring the Benefits of Organic Food

With its focus on soil health, biodiversity, and fair labour practices, embracing organic choices supports the local economy and strengthens resilience to climate change. Join the movement towards a healthier planet and future generations with organic food!

Show News

Natural Food Expo 2024

Part of the pioneering Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX), Natural Food Expo is the home of natural and speciality food and drink. From the latest plant-based innovations to the hottest planet-friendly snacks, Natural Food Expo is the place for buyers from across the retail, hospitality, foodservice, manufacturing, import and export sectors to discover the latest products for their customers.

Product News

Essential’s new range of Organic Peanut Butter voted Best New Product by Organic & Natural Business Magazine readers

We are absolutely thrilled that our new range of Essential Organic Peanut Butter has been voted Best New Product at the Organic & Natural Business Product Awards. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to vote for Essential’s Organic Peanut Butter. We are hugely grateful for the tremendous support we have received.

Global News

Essential's Easy Vegan Swaps for Veganuary 2024

Transitioning to a vegan or plant-based diet can be daunting for some. That’s why we have created a little list of some easy vegan swaps to help you on your vegan journey. Whether you're looking to try veganism for the first time or just want to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these swaps are a great place to start.

Charity News

Essential are proud to support Bristol Local Food Fund

Essential Trading has been a key supporter in the Bristol Local Food Fund's campaign to tackle food insecurity in the city.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Wylder Naturals

In a world where skincare can sometimes feel overwhelming, Wylder Naturals offers simplicity, warmth, and the comfort of natural ingredients. Born in the heart of Bristol in 2021, this small-scale soap company has grown to become a vibrant presence in the world of natural skincare.

Essential News

Essential's Greener Futures Open Day is a Roaring Success!

Essential’s Greener Futures Open Day took place in Bristol on Sunday 24th September 2023, with over 70 exhibitors, almost 200 attendees, food and drink provided by local vendors, and live entertainment.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Caroboo

Caroboo is made up of a lively and dedicated team of (mostly) women who are spreading the good carob news everywhere they go. From their dedicated sales director to their marketing team to their founders Charlotte and Darran, both of which you can meet at the Essential Greener Futures Open Day on the 24th September.

Customer News

Simply Green | Support Our Independents

We have reached our 10th episode of Support Our Independents! This month Essential visited Bethan at Simply Green in Nailsea. We spoke about Plastic Free July, what barriers may prevent customers from shopping sustainably, and what can be done to make zero-waste shopping more accessible.

Charity News

Meet Nova; Essential & Harvest's Unicorn in the Bristol Unicornfest 2023

Essential is delighted to be involved in the Bristol Unicorn Festival 2023, a nine-week-long sculpture trail across Bristol to uplift spirits for a good cause. The Essential Unicorn Nova looks fabulous opposite our Harvest shop.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Belvoir Farm

Premium soft drinks, Crafted with Nature; that’s what Belvoir Farm is all about. Refreshingly real and reassuringly delicious, there’s artistry in Belvoir Farm still cordials and lightly sparkling soft drinks. Each are made using simple ingredients, carefully selected – including organic elderflower – with natural fruits, hand-picked flowers, fresh juices and spices. Belvoir are true to nature and let the ingredients do the talking.

Customer News

Fox & West | Support Our Independents

In our 9th episode of Support Our Independents, Essential visited Fox & West in Bristol. Area Manager Jazz spoke to Lee about what it means to be a small business and describes the supportive community that Fox & West have in Totterdown.

Local News

Sims Hill Shared Harvest

Essential is proud to support Sims Hill Shared Harvest, a grassroots farm and community that grows fresh produce for people in Bristol.

Product News

Featured Supplier: Friendly Soap

Our featured supplier is Friendly Soap; an award winning, 20 strong team dedicated to the sustainable manufacture of vegan soap, shampoo and shaving bars in the beautiful hills of West Yorkshire.

Customer News

Herbivore Vegan Deli | Support Our Independents

Quite possibly the world's smallest vegan deli, Herbivore Vegan Deli opened its doors just before Christmas in Wapping Wharf in Bristol. Store owner Janice speaks to Lee at Essential about the rise of veganism, the difficulties local businesses face and how she decides what to stock in such a small retail space.

Charity News

Essential sign up to the Business Without Blood Sports pledge

Essential are among the 125 companies that have signed the Business Without Blood Sports pledge with Britain's leading animal charity League Against Cruel Sports

Essential News

Planting trees in memory of much-loved colleagues

We’re teaming up with the charity project Trees for Streets to green Bristol, our home city, through tree planting. This partnership is personal, as it honours much-loved colleagues who have sadly passed away.

Show News

Natural & Organic Products Europe 2023

Essential were delighted to be back at the largest organic and natural trade show in Europe

Customer News

Just1Swap | Support Our Independents

At the end of February, Lee from Essential travelled to Boscombe in sunny Bournemouth to meet Ellen at Just1Swap. Ellen spoke to us about how the opening of Just1Swap came about, dispelling the myth that zero waste stores are expensive compared to chain supermarkets, and the difficult times ahead for small business owners.

Customer News

Churchtown Stores | Support Our Independents

Our 6th episode of Support Our Independents has arrived and just in time in for St. Piran’s Day in Cornwall on Sunday 5th March 2023! We visited Churchtown Stores in St. Agnes, Cornwall, at the beginning of the year and spoke with new owner Marie about how the rich culture and heritage of Cornwall shapes the business. She also told us about the local community and what it means to them, as well as how being a local fruit and vegetable grower led to her acquiring the much-loved store.

Customer News

Christine's Sustainable Supermarket | Support Our Independents

For our fifth Support Our Independents episode, we visited Christine's Sustainable Supermarket in Bradford-on-Avon. Christine spoke to us about supporting small businesses over supermarkets, the importance of eco-conscious shopping, and what it means to be your own boss.

Product News

Plantside Vegan Yorkshire Puddings – No more missing out!

Introducing Plantside; the creators of the new and massively popular frozen vegan yorkshire pudding range!

Charity News

Essential Supporting Charities Over Christmas

During what can be the hardest time of the year for some, Essential worked with charities such as Marmalade Trust, St Michael’s Maternity Hospital Bristol, FareShare South West, The Hatch Camphill Community, and Eastville Park Food Club over the festive period.

Customer News

Swindon Pulse Wholefoods | Support Our Independents

In December 2022, we visited Swindon Pulse Wholefoods for our fourth episode of #SupportOurIndependents. They spoke to us about the history of the co-operative, how they have had to adapt as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, and what lies ahead for Swindon Pulse Wholefoods.

Charity News

Living Wage Week 2022

Essential Trading are proud to be a Living Wage employer and we believe it's now more important than ever to pay employees the National Living Wage.

Product News

Black Salt: Everything You Need to Know

Himalayan Black Salt (also known as kala namak) is a popular vegan ingredient. It adds an eggy taste which makes it perfect for tofu scrambles.

Customer News

Iechyd Da @ CF14 | Support Our Independents

In our third episode of Support Our Independents, Lee sat down with Alwen from Iechyd Da @ CF14. She spoke about the importance of locally supplied food, what the local community means to them and what is was like to be open during the height of the COVID pandemic.

Charity News

Proud to Support FareShare South West

Read about the fantastic work that FareShare South West have been doing this year and Essential’s involvement.

Essential News

Introducing Our New Feature: Support Our Independents

We have started a new campaign to raise awareness of great independent businesses near you. We’ll be showcasing exactly what they have to offer, celebrating what it means to be a local independent business, what makes them flourish, and the wonderful people that help to make their communities a better place.