Fairtrade
The University of Manchester is proud to have Fairtrade University Status from the Fairtrade Foundation.
We have a clearly defined policy on Fairtrade and are committed to promoting, supporting and using Fairtrade and adopted our Fairtrade Policy on 9th March, 2005.
Where can you find Fairtrade products across campus?
Fair-trade clothing now available in the Shop at University Place and Potters.
A selection of Hoody's, T - Shirts, Sweatshirts and Cotton bags are now available.
A selection of sportwear will be introduced in the forthcoming months.
- All vending machines controlled by the University serve Fairtrade coffee.
- Where possible snack vending machines within FoodOnCampus now have 2 Fairtrade product lines stocked in them.
- Fairtrade coffee, tea, hot chocolate and sugar sachets is served in all FoodOnCampus outlets.
- Fairtrade coffee, tea, biscuits and sugar sachets are served through all delivered services, hospitality and conferences.
- All coffee, tea and hot chocolate served in catered halls is Fairtrade.
- Fairtrade bananas are sold exclusively in all FoodOnCampus outlets and Catered Halls.
- Fairtrade cereal bars, chocolate bars and cakes are sold in all FoodOnCampus outlets.
- Fairtrade fruit juices are sold in all FoodOnCampus outlets.
- Fairtrade coffee in jars sold in refectory.
- Fairtrade smoothies are available in the Refectory shop.
- Fairtrade clothing is now available in the Shop at University Place and
Potters.
A selection of Hoody's, T - Shirts, Sweatshirts and Cotton bags are now available.
A selection of sportwear will be introduced in the forthcoming months.
Every year the University of Manchester consumes:
- 1,500,000 cups of Fairtrade coffee
- 300,000 cups of Fairtrade tea
- 100,000 cups of Fairtrade hot chocolate
- 1,000,000 Fairtrade sugar sachets
- 75,000 bananas
- 75,000 bottles of Fairtrade fruit juice
- 20,000 Fairtrade choc bars
This makes a huge difference to the lives of the producers of these products and their families. The Fairtrade mark ensures that producers receive the basic living wage needed in their country together with a premium which is used to reduce poverty or provide funds for community, social and environmental projects.
This is what some of our more famous past students think of our Fairtrade status!
Celebrity chef Sophie Grigson
"I'm delighted to hear that The University of Manchester has been awarded Fairtrade Status. It was here that I first learned about Fairtrade, though luckily for everyone working and studying at the University now, the quality of Fairtrade coffee has improved immeasurably since my day!"
Liz Reynolds, Non-executive Director of Traidcraft plc, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to fighting poverty through trade.
"The commitment of leading academic institutions, like The University of Manchester, to Fairtrade is hugely important.
"Not only does it have the practical advantage of growing the UK Fairtrade market - already the largest in the world at £140 million - it sends a powerful and equally valuable message to government and business that trade justice is a matter of major importance to all sections of our society and culture."
The University of Manchester Fairtrade Policy
The University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Students Union assign great importance to the role of the University within the international community, and its obligation to encourage ethical dealings at all levels. The University therefore commits to supporting, using and promoting Fairtrade products. Where it is not feasible for reasons of price, supply, availability or contractual obligations the University commits to begin selling Fairtrade as soon as it becomes feasible or alternatively source more ethically traded products.
This will be achieved by reaching the standards to achieve Fairtrade status as defined by the Fairtrade Foundation. The Fairtrade Foundation has outlined five goals which must be achieved by a Fairtrade University. Our commitment to achieving them will be delivered as follows:
Steering group
A Fairtrade steering group will meet to implement this policy. This group will meet as a minimum once per semester to continually monitor and improve the Universities support of Fairtrade and will report annually to the University Sustainability Steering Group.
Sale of Fairtrade Products
The University and Students Union will sell as many Fairtrade products as is feasible, in all campus shops, restaurants, café's, bars and vending machines.
Hospitality
The University and Students Union will commit to serving Fairtrade foods (for example coffee & tea) at all internal meetings, hospitality events and conferences, with the commitment to increase the use of Fairtrade foods as it becomes possible to do so.
Promotion
The University will promote the sale of Fairtrade products via the following methods:
- Fairtrade promotional materials will be displayed on University notice boards and in places where Fairtrade products are sold.
- Articles and other appropriate material will be included in suitable University publications.
- The University will commit to running a series of promotional events during Fairtrade Fortnight every March.
- Fairtrade will be promoted via the University Website.
- Fairtrade will feature in the University of Manchester Student Union publications.
Staff & Student Support
All members of the University will be actively encouraged to support the Fairtrade policy. Details of this policy will be communicated throughout the University and their efforts to support Fairtrade will be encouraged.
This policy statement will be reviewed on an annual basis.
To learn more about our triple certified coffee Tiki Café