Fairtrade University Award Article
Recognising our commitment to fair trade, quality ingredients and your values
We are thrilled to announce that CUFoods has successfully retained our Fairtrade University Award for 2026!
This isn’t just a certificate to hang on the wall; it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing and delivering top-quality, responsible products across all of our cafés and restaurants here at Cardiff University.
What is the Fairtrade University Award?
Awarded in partnership by Fairtrade UK and SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability), this prestigious accreditation recognises universities that go the extra mile for ethical trade.
It isn’t just about the food we serve. The award celebrated efforts to put Fairtrade products and sustainable practices at the forefront of university life, from everyday campus procurement all the way to academic research and university policies.
Your choices can help make a difference
Did you know that according to SOS-UK, nearly 90% of students want to buy products from producers who are paid fairly? We’ve heard you loud and clear!
We are incredibly proud to say that all of our tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar and bananas sold by CUFoods across campus are 100% Fairtrade.
This means that whether you’re grabbing a flat white before morning lectures, warming up a hot chocolate in the library, or picking up a banana for a mid-afternoon energy boost, your purchase matters. By choosing these products, you are directly supporting fair wages, safer working conditions and climate justice for farmers and workers across the globe.
Help us keep the momentum going!
Retaining this award is a huge team effort, and our students are the most important part of that team. Here is how you can continue to support ethical sourcing on campus:
- Look for the logo: whenever you’re buying a snack or drink on campus, consciously choose items with the Fairtrade mark.
- Spread the word: let your coursemates or flatmates know where they can grab an ethical (and delicious) cup of coffee between lectures.
- Get involved: keep an eye out for upcoming sustainability initiatives and events throughout the academic year.
We’ll keep waving the Fairtrade flag at CUFoods, but we aren’t stopping here. We’re constantly looking for new ways to expand our sustainable offerings and champion ethical trade for our student community.
Thank you for choosing fair, choosing sustainable, and choosing CUFoods! Learn more about how you can be a sustainable student through food and drink on campus.
