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Fairtrade

A product being Fairtrade means that social, economic and environmental standards have been set for both the companies and the farmers and workers who grew the products. It means that those workers will have been paid better prices and had decent working conditions. The Fairtrade mark ensures that local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world, are supported.

These are all values that we as a University believe should be upheld, and we actively campaign for this type of support for farmers and workers to become universal. Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff Metropolitan Students’ Union have been supporting and selling Fairtrade products since 2003 and gained Fairtrade accreditation in 2007 from the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation. We were most recently awarded Fairtrade status in 2024 under the updated criteria.

Cardiff Met supports Fairtrade throughout each year, including by:

  • Having a Fairtrade Steering Group that meets termly
  • Selling Fairtrade products in all University and Students’ Union retail and catering outlets
  • Celebrating and promoting Fairtrade Fortnight each year
  • Serving Fairtrade tea and coffee in hospitality

In 2026, we have continued to build on this commitment through a range of key achievements. Fairtrade tea and coffee remain the standard offer across campus, and our Print Studio shop sells merchandise made with Fairtrade cotton as standard. We have also delivered engaging events to raise awareness of trade justice, alongside growing efforts to embed Fairtrade and sustainability within the curriculum through the work of the Climate Action Team.

For a full overview of our progress, achievements, and future priorities, please read our Fairtrade Annual Report 2025-2026. Our SMART Action Plan has also been updated to reflect our latest goals and actions.

For more information on what Fairtrade is and why we believe you should support Fairtrade products, please visit the Fairtrade Foundation website.

Our Fairtrade Policy is available on the Policy Hub. If you wish to get involved with Fairtrade at Cardiff Met, please email sustainability@cardiffmet.ac.uk

We welcome your ideas and contributions!