Fair Trade
Did you know that since 2016 Concordia has been designated as a Fair Trade Campus? Find out how our community supports fair-trade practices and how you can get involved.
How does Concordia support Fair Trade?
- All coffee sold on campus is Fair Trade certified, except for certain franchises. In 2022, we launched Stingers Roast, our own signature coffee blend, sourced from women-owned cooperatives in Nariño, Colombia.
- Fair Trade teas, sugar, chocolate and bananas are available for sale at food service locations, excluding franchises.
- All approved caterers are required to provide Fair Trade coffee, tea, and sugar exclusively.
- Concordia’s 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 on campus
- The Concordia Student Union (CSU), Graduate Students' Association (GSA), and Arts & Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) all include Fair Trade within their Sustainability Policies.
Achieving Fair Trade Silver Status represents how Concordia is constantly strengthening its commitment to principles of ethical procurement and sustainability. Currently, there are only three other campuses in Canada who have achieved Silver Status: York, UTM, and McGill. Find a more in-depth look at the progress we are making on our Action Plan progress dashboard.
Join the conversation on Instagram @cufairtrade.
Stingers Roast
Concordia's very own Fair Trade blend
Why do we need Fair Trade?
It is the mission of Fairtrade Canada to ensure decent working conditions, as well as fair terms of trade. In other words, Fair Trade contributes to the empowerment of rural populations around the world.
Guaranteed minimum price
The price volatility of commodities is directly linked to poverty. The poverty cycle is broken when farmers receive a stable income.
Community premium
Fair Trade producers receive additional funds to support investment into their communities.
Worker's rights
Fair Trade producers receive decent wages, retain the right to unionize, and work in a safe and healthy work environment.
Gender equality
26% of all farmers and workers in Fair Trade are women.
Environmental stewardship
Over 50% of all Fair Trade certified producers are also certified as organic.
How do I get involved?
- Look for the Fair Trade mark when purchasing your next coffee, tea, chocolate or banana!
- Encourage your student group or office to adopt Fair Trade purchasing policies
- Buy Fair Trade food and drinks for fundraisers, meetings, and events
Contact Oliver De Volpi to learn more about how you can support
Fair Trade on campus.
