Cafédirect shortlisted for European environmental award

The UK’s largest ethical hot drinks brand, Cafédirect, is one of just three UK companies to make it through to the finals of the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE).

The company, one of 14 finalists chosen from the 156 companies that entered the awards, has been shortlisted for the new Business and Biodiversity category that rewards companies that have successfully combined innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance.

Cafédirect was chosen for its work with smallholder tea and coffee grower partners on adapting to climate change (AdapCC), which poses serious risks to smallholder livelihoods and the future availability of tea, coffee and cocoa. Its intiative has already been picked up by international NGOs and been used to shape government policy.

“AdapCC perfectly demonstrates the unique way we at Cafédirect do business and how our direct relationships with our grower partners leads to a unique understanding of the challenges on the ground,” commented Wolfgang Weinmann, head of impact and sustainability at Cafédirect.  “The methodology is now being replicated around the world – something we at Cafédirect are very proud of.”

All finalists across the five categories have won accredited environmental awards over the past two years, and Cafedirect’s roll of honour includes:

● Winner -  Social Impact Award at Guardian Sustainable Business Awards 2011
● Winner - Sustainable Procurement Award at Sustainable City Awards 2009/10
● Major Commendation - the SME Premier Award at the BCE Awards 2010
● Highly Commended -  Sustainable Finance Award at Sustainable City Awards

Winners will be announced on 24 May during Green Week, the European Commission’s annual conference on environment policy.

By Angela Frewin

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