Background

In 2000 the company began with an idea of finding a global market for the creative abilities and craftsmanship of local artisan groups in countries within South East Asia such as Indonesia, many of which are family oriented businesses. The company began selling a range of unique and creative handcrafted products to markets in the United States, Europe and other locations by organizing local family producers into cohesive groups according to the materials they work with, items they produce, and their artistic styles and abilities. As the company grew, so did our services and offerings.

In 2005 Benz International Trading Company was evaluated and selected from a list of candidates to lead the IFC’s Handicraft Export Promotion Program transition from a developmental project to a sustainable social business enterprise. The company was highlighted as having the requisite experience within the handicraft export sector, as well as a reputation for successfully developing grassroots artisan communities under Fair Trade principles, operating a successful for profit social enterprise since 2000. Craft Network LLC was later established in 2006 and has since greatly explanded its reach and capabilities within the Indonesian export sector.

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