With a tantalising cargo of wild ideas and curiosities, New Dawn Traders imports fine food on a human scale

Connecting small producers from across the seas direct to British consumers, powered by wind alone, New Dawn Traders will sail its creaking hold of olive oil, wine, salt, chocolate and more to six UK ports between Sunday 30 August - Sunday 27 September. Offering people the opportunity to collect their orders on the day from the ship itself, this experimental fair-trade collective is bringing global consumption back to a human scale.

With a growing network of ships, producers and allies, New Dawn Traders is building new models of trade that put planet and people first. Cutting the supply chain down to its fundamental parts, farmers and producers load their cargo directly onto the ship, which then passes through no more hands before it’s collected by the buyer at the other end. Taken from port to port through carbon neutral shipping, this is the only way for consumers to enjoy exceptional food and drink from around the world with a minimal impact on the environment.

As it continues to build common sense supply chains across the oceans, New Dawn Traders is calling for people to re-think their shopping habits and invest in the creation of a sustainable shipping economy. By purchasing in advance, the risk of the voyage is shared amongst the many; by collecting from the ship, distribution and storage needs are dramatically reduced; by buying in larger quantities for longer periods, packaging is reduced and money is saved.

Nestled among a cargo of almonds, mezcal, panela, rice, olives, pulses, coffee and honey, is the product that inspired New Dawn Traders’ first voyage, Portuguese olive oil. Working with an olive oil sommelier in Central Portugal, the company has now partnered with four olive farmers, all making exceptional olive oil in harmony with their local ecosystems, nurturing both people and planet from soil to serving. As with all New Dawn Traders cargo, the product is bought for a fair price, shipped fossil fuel-free and imports a unique product that can’t be grown or produced in the UK.

New Dawn Traders’ latest voyage will be aboard the Gallant, part of the Blue Schooner Company’s fleet, a former fishing lugger on the North Sea, built in 1916. Departing Porto, Portugal on Friday 7 August, the Gallant will dock in Bristol on Sunday 30 August, Penzance on Monday 7 September, Newhaven on Sunday 13 September, Ramsgate on Friday 18 September, London on Tuesday 22 September and Great Yarmouth on Sunday 27 September.

All products can be ordered from www.newdawntraders.com, with collection and delivery options available.