Fairtrade university

Follow the University of Plymouth's progress toward Fairtrade accreditation
Fairtrade stamp printed on linen sack
The University of Plymouth is dedicated to maintaining our Fairtrade accreditation.
This commitment involves advocating for fair prices, improving working conditions, promoting local sustainability, and ensuring Fairtrade terms for farmers and workers in our procurement processes and supplier partnerships.
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    In 2024 the University of Plymouth achieved 2 out of 3 stars for our Fairtrade accreditation

 

Our commitment

At the University, our commitment to fostering a sustainable food culture extends across our catering and retail outlets and services, guided by our comprehensive sustainable food plan .
We prioritise offering Fairtrade products wherever feasible and collaborate with local food suppliers to showcase the availability of seasonal, local, and organic food options. Explore our local suppliers map for more information.
Our pursuit of Fairtrade accreditation involved several key objectives that we continue to work towards:
  • creating and sharing our Fairtrade Policy
  • expanding the assortment of Fairtrade products in our catering and hospitality offerings
  • organising promotional campaigns and events throughout the year
  • participating in Fairtrade Fortnight annually.

Statement of intent

In line with the University of Plymouth’s 12-point climate action plan, we are increasing the provision of local, sustainable food and reducing our reliance on imports.
Where this is not possible, we are committed to following the Fairtrade Principles of better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers, both within the UK and elsewhere. We will purchase products with the Fairtrade mark where viable. This reassures us that the product was produced in the most sustainable way and ensures that the University finds a sustainable balance in our food provision between local and Fairtrade drivers.
We are passionate about educating our staff, students, and our local community about the benefits of local produce, Fairtrade, trade justice and ethical consumption.

Events

In recognition and celebration of Fairtrade, we annually observe Fairtrade Fortnight with a series of events, promotions, and competitions. Stay updated on upcoming campus cafes events or follow us on Facebook.

Global Fairtrade Recipe Book – University of Plymouth

Calling all food lovers!

The University of Plymouth, a proud 2-star Fairtrade University, is creating the 2nd edition of our Global Recipe Book – and we need YOUR recipes!
Do you have a dish that represents your culture, a family favourite, or a go-to meal or cake? Submit your recipe for a chance to be featured online and even served as a special in our campus cafes!
Fairtrade ingredients are encouraged but not required – we're simply raising awareness of the options available.

How to take part

Submissions open: 1–30 April
What we need from you:
  • Dish name
  • Ingredients list (Fairtrade where possible)
  • Method
  • Photo (optional but encouraged)
  • Any other relevant details
Submit your recipe to catering@plymouth.ac.uk.

Why Fairtrade?

Using Fairtrade ingredients supports ethical and sustainable farming, ensuring fair wages for farmers worldwide. Consider using Fairtrade chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, spices, and more in your recipe where possible!

Be featured on campus!

One lucky recipe will be chosen to be prepared and served in one of our cafes, based on ingredient availability and cost – giving you the chance to see your dish enjoyed by students and staff!
Let’s celebrate the diversity of our University community through food while promoting Fairtrade and sustainability. Will your recipe be the next campus favourite?
 
Fairtrade food and drink on campus
  • Fairtrade coffee, sugar, and bananas are standard offerings across campus and within our catering services.
  • In January 2025, we proudly made Owens Coffee our majority coffee supplier on campus, serving 10 out of 11 cafés. Their coffee beans are not only Fairtrade and organic certified, but their roastery is conveniently located just 11.7 miles from campus, ensuring freshness and supporting local businesses.
  • At Portland's Pizzeria and The Container Cafe , enjoy hot drinks with Fairtrade syrups in caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut flavours.
  • Explore our diverse range of teas, including Fairtrade, Organic, Fair for Life, and Ethical Tea Partnership options. Whether you're craving a fruity infusion or a classic English breakfast brew, we have something to delight every tea lover's palate.
  • Indulge in a delicious hot chocolate made with Fairtrade Cadbury's when you order from our Hospitality Service .
  • Experience Karma Drinks, supporting impactful projects like dedicating 1% of revenue from every Karma Drink to their Cola nut growers and their communities in Sierra Leone at The Container Cafe .
  • Enjoy our new drinks at John Bull Cafe , Reservoir Cafe and the Library Cafe ! Each bottle of Lemonaid and ChariTea contains only organic ingredients and is Fairtrade-certified. With every bottle purchased, they aim to empower people and communities, helping them to help themselves.
  • Keep an eye out for Divine Fairtrade chocolate bars in our cafes, co-owned by Fairtrade farmers.
  • Our Hospitality service crafts bakes and cakes for The Container Cafe and functions using premium Callebaut chocolate, which holds Cocoa Horizons Certification alongside Fairtrade Tate & Lyle sugar.
  • Try our handmade Divine chocolate and Fairtrade banana muffins at The Container Cafe . Enjoy a delicious, ethically sourced treat that's the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet banana, all while supporting sustainable practices.
  • Chocolate and banana loaf crafted with Fairtrade bananas and sugar, alongside Callebaut Chocolate is available from The Toast Office .
 

Owens Coffee

100% Fairtrade, always… As you know, we have an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability and ethics, demonstrated through our long partnership with the Fairtrade Foundation. Our sourcing approach has helped our coffee growers and those who depend on them evolve farming and commercial practices to ensure livelihoods into the future, despite the challenges they face from commodity market fluctuations and climatic change. Perhaps one of the best examples is our Jabulani Project in partnership with Jabo Butera of Plymouth’s Diversity Business Incubator and the Twongerekawa Coko women’s Cooperative in Northern Rwanda. All sales help ensure the mountain communities surrounding the plantation are supported in ways that allow them to thrive and encourage the next generation of young farmers.
Owens coffee served in Babbage cafe
 

Get involved

We are seeking students interested in sustainable living and Fairtrade practices to join our working group dedicated to achieving Fairtrade accreditation and promoting ethical and fair practices throughout our services.
Here's how you can participate:
Attend Fairtrade-themed events on campus, which you can find listed on our campus cafes events page or via our Facebook page.
Join our Fairtrade University working group to contribute to our objectives for accreditation status. We welcome student contributions and event ideas. For more information, please contact fairtrade@plymouth.ac.uk.
Explore Fairtrade, trade justice, or ethical consumption issues as part of your coursework or dissertations, both on and off-campus.
If you're a local school, college, or business interested in support from the University of Plymouth to explore or achieve Fairtrade accreditation, please email us at fairtrade@plymouth.ac.uk.
Get involved with the sustainability agenda at the University. As a student you can share ideas for improvements at UPSU through your student representatives.
Continue to champion Fairtrade through your purchases both on and off campus. If you're interested in getting involved or hosting an event, please reach out to us at fairtrade@plymouth.ac.uk.