Costa Coffee, the UK’s Favourite Coffee Shop, has been awarded the title of ‘Most Ethical Brand’ in Europe at the annual Allegra Coffee Symposium. The award was collected by members of the Costa team at a ceremony in Warsaw on Tuesday 21st November, 2017.
This award was voted for by over 500 trade professionals across the coffee sector, and was a highly competitive category. Costa was up against strong contenders from the independent coffee market, who have already achieved a strong reputation in this area.
The judges recognised Costa for its ambitious and impactful Sustainability programme, called ‘Force For Good’, and highlighted in particular the following initiatives:
- The opening of the new sustainable Roastery in Basildon, Essex, which was award BREEAM rating “Outstanding” to the 2014 standard with final score of 89.1%
- The launch of the cup recycling scheme in all UK stores, which recovers and recycles all takeaway paper cups from Costa, competitors and independent
- The WISE programme, which provides a great opportunity for people to take a progressive journey of self-improvement and personal development with Costa. The programme offers a range of opportunities including Work Experience Placement Employment Placements and Apprenticeships
- Supporting the Costa Foundation to fund the building of 75 schools, improving the social and economic welfare of coffee-growing communities though education. The Costa has recently celebrated it’s 10th birthday, opening a school in it’s 10th market, Zambia
When collecting the award, Sandy Gourlay, Costa Charity and Communtiy Manager, said, ‘This award is incredible recognition for all the work that our teams are doing all over the world to make a positive difference to the environment, and communities near and far’.