Alaffia was founded on the belief that the fair trade of indigenous resources is the future for a sustainable economic, social and ecological future. Shea butter is one of the most important natural resources of the West African savanna. Shea butter, the oil from the seed of the endemic shea tree, is incorporated into all areas of savanna societies. It has played an integral part in West African history. Shea butter has been found in Egyptian tombs, and is mentioned in many historical African documents. The control of the shea butter trade was also one of the main reasons for European colonial expansion into the northern savanna.

Recently, the skin care properties of shea butter have become well known, causing a buzz in the skin care industry. The skin care properties of shea butter are truly unique, amazing and special. We realized early that shea butter has the potential to support families in communities in the areas where it is produced, but only if it is traded fairly. Our first intention was to support our Togolese communities with the sale of indigenous shea butter and other oils to other skin care manufacturers.

We soon realized that to truly advance our message and philosophy, we would need to provide the finished products as well. Not only does this bring a greater percentage of the final sales price to our communities in Togo, it also ensures that our products are made with the purest, freshest ingredients. Every product we make is made with a base of our own unrefined shea butter and other indigenous oils.

While Unrefined Shea Butter is our main ingredient, we feel it is equally important to provide our customers with the benefits of the other unique ingredients that we make in Togo. Each ingredient is handcrafted in Togo under fair trade, organic and traditional guidelines. We do not refine any of our oils and care is taken to preserve their maximum healing and protective properties in our finished products. The seeds, leaves, and fruits are sustainably harvested from wild trees or grown by small farmers under organic and fair trade guidelines.

Our ingredients are unique, and as a result, you may not be familiar with the special properties of each one. Please follow the links on the left to learn more about our indigenous ingredients.