COMPARTE

Comparte (Comercializadora de Productos Artesanales Exportables) is a nonprofit Chilean trading organization. In Spanish, “comparte” means “to share.” Comparte works to improve the standard of living of disadvantaged craftspeople. Based in Santiago, Chile’s capital city, Comparte markets products for a variety of artisan groups. In addition to conducting regional workshops, Comparte provides training, organizational assistance and marketing and design services to these groups. Comparte also features their crafts in markets and commercial craft stores in the region. Comparte is the largest handicraft export organization in Chile.

Comparte was established in 1988 by the Social Union of Christian Businessmen (USEC). Comparte is a member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT).

Ten Thousand Villages purchases ceramic nativities, dishes and jars, terra cotta banks, mobiles and rainsticks from Comparte. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Comparte since 1989.