The Fairtrade Foundation joined more than 250 coffee roasters, cafés and other exhibitors at this year’s edition (30 April – 3 May 2015), to showcase a selection of the high quality coffees that carry the FAIRTRADE Mark, and to ensure that coffee-lovers know how Fairtrade benefits coffee farmers. Fairtrade coffee has been available for more than 20 years, but the quality has improved significantly in recent years and, in 2014, Fairtrade coffee won 14 Great Taste Awards. The beans in every cup can be traced back to a Fairtrade certified farmers’ co-operative, or to specific farmers for micro-lot coffee. When farmers sell their coffee on Fairtrade terms, they earn at least the Fairtrade Minimum Price of $1.40 per pound, or $1.70 per pound for organic coffee, which provides a vital safety net when market prices fall. Last month, the average market price dropped to just $1.21 per pound. Farmers also earn an additional Fairtrade Premium of 20 cents per pound. At least 25% of this (5 cents) must be invested to improve coffee quality, and the rest can be used to benefit their business and community, for example to build roads or health clinics. Kate Lewis, Coffee Product Manager at Fairtrade Foundation, says: “When you drink a cup of Fairtrade coffee, you have an independent assurance that the farmer who grew the beans got a fairer deal and is being supported to build a better future. When you also consider that Fairtrade coffees have scooped numerous awards and can be traced from bean to cup, you can see why Fairtrade coffee leaves a better taste.” The London Coffee Festival marked the official launch of UK Coffee Week (4 – 10 May 2015), a fundraising initiative that celebrates British coffee culture and raises money for Project Waterfall, which brings clean water to coffee-growing communities around the world. Businesses that have confirmed their support for UK Coffee Week include Starbucks, which is currently celebrating five years of serving 100% Fairtrade espresso-based drinks in the UK & Europe, Middle East & Africa. It will donate 25p to Project Waterfall for every Fairtrade Flat White sold from 4 – 10 May. Source: comunicaffe.com/fairtrade-foundation-at-london-coffee-festival/