Fairtrade Status gained by University in joint venture with CUSU.
The University of Cambridge has been awarded Fairtrade status after it signed up to source ethically and sustainably produced goods.
With more than half a million hot drinks served to students and staff a year the University catering service wanted to make sure consumers were able to support Fairtrade while enjoying what was on offer.
Nick White, Head of Operations at the University Centre said: “This is something we have worked at for a long time. The benefit is that, among other things, it gives a fair and stable price for producers that covers the costs of sustainable production.
“It also shows the University recognises its corporate responsibility in this area.”
The move was a joint venture between the University’s Central Catering Service, the Environment and Energy Section and Cambridge University Student Union (CUSU).
Susanna Hartland, Ethical Consumerism Officer for CUSU’s Ethical Affairs Team, said: “This is important as it is a commitment by both the University and CUSU. With the huge turnover the University has selling drinks this is a strong statement.”
To achieve Fairtrade Status the University had to commit to various goals including creating a Fairtrade policy and serving Fairtrade products in its cafes and bars.
The achievement comes at the start of Fairtrade Fortnight which runs until 8 March. The University is marking the fortnight with a talk today (Wednesday) at The University Centre by Louise Whitaker, an ethical marketing manager who will talk about her recent experiences with Ugandan coffee growing communities.
To book a ticket for the talk go to: http://tinyurl.com/ljme6co.