Concordia hosts the 9th National Fair Trade Conference

Concordia is gearing up to host the ninth annual National Fair Trade Conference on March 16 and 17. This event marks another milestone in the university’s journey toward sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Thanks to the efforts of Hospitality Concordia’s Events and Food Services teams, the conference has earned a gold-level sustainable event certification from the university.

Concordia is inviting fair-trade leaders and activists from across the country to join them at the conference under the theme “Down to Earth.” Attendees will gather to celebrate 30 years of fair trade in Canada and discuss the movement’s continued impact on global change.

Reaffirming a dedication to fair trade on campus

Since being named Canada’s 17th Fair Trade Campus in August 2016, Concordia has continuously expanded its fair-trade initiatives. The university began by adopting 100 per cent fair-trade sugar and bananas and, in 2022, it introduced its own organic fair-trade coffee, Stinger Roast.

“Concordia’s commitment to fair trade is unwavering,” says Oliver de Volpi, manager of Food Services. “We recognize the importance of fair wages, improved working conditions and community investment for producers.”

The university’s fair-trade bananas are sourced from Equifruit, a local fair-trade-certified fruit importer that supports small producers in Ecuador. Similarly, Stinger Roast coffee is sourced from Manos de Mujeres, a women-owned coffee farm in Colombia, and roasted by Quebec-based Brûlerie FARO, which follows sustainable and fair-trade practices.

Concordia’s support for fair trade extends beyond its food offerings:

• All coffee sold on campus is fair-trade-certified, with certain exceptions for franchises.
• Fair-trade teas, sugar, chocolate and bananas are available at food service locations, excluding franchises.
• All approved caterers are required to provide exclusively fair-trade coffee and tea, with plans to expand this requirement to include sugar in the next contract.
• The Sustainable Event Guide promotes and educates around fair-trade-certified products.
• A multi-stakeholder Fair Trade Steering Committee works to deepen Concordia’s commitment to fair-trade programming, services and food offerings.
• The Concordia Student Union, Graduate Students’ Association and Arts and Science Federation of Associations all include fair trade within their sustainability policies.

“Fair trade is not just a label for us; it’s a commitment to ethical sourcing and community empowerment,” De Volpi adds. “Hosting the National Fair Trade Conference is a testament to our dedication to this cause and our ongoing efforts to make a positive impact.”