Our fund focuses on the health and well-being of all stakeholders, from coffee origin to your cup. With your support, we're committed to promoting workers' rights, gender equity, and the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Our investments will ensure adherence to ethical sourcing standards, protect the planet through sustainable practices, and empower vulnerable groups in coffee-producing regions and in the UK.

We believe that thriving coffee communities are the heart of our industry. The Union Direct Trade Fund contributes to creating sustainable livelihoods at origin, paying our farmer partners fairly, and fostering community engagement. Our goal is to ensure prosperous living standards for all. As a B-Corp certified business, we are holding ourselves accountable, and actively participating in the wider movement for positive change.

Specialty coffee is at the core of our identity, and we are dedicated to securing its future. Our fund promotes sustainability across our value chain and supports science-based agricultural solutions to secure a diverse and sustainable supply of specialty coffee for generations to come.

• The fund supports projects that ensure compliance with Union Hand-Roasted Coffee's Code of Conduct for Ethical Sourcing among coffee producer partners
• Specifically, the fund can invest in initiatives that promote workers' rights, gender equity, and health and well-being within the coffee value chain

• The fund prioritises investments in coffee sourced from smallholder communities, particularly those from minority and vulnerable groups

• The fund invests in projects that address climate change mitigation and adaptation within the coffee industry, promoting both environmental sustainability and wellbeing
• The fund supports initiatives that promote sustainable land use, conservation of biodiversity, and responsible forest management within coffee-producing regions

• The fund can support Union Hand Roasted Coffee's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2035
• The fund can support the development of a detailed roadmap for carbon neutrality

• The fund support initiatives that promote employee well-being and mental health within the coffee industry

• The fund's investments actively contribute to the creation of sustainable livelihoods at coffee origins
• Ensure that farmer partners benefit from fair pricing and cost of living analysis projects, which may lead to increased income

• The fund actively supports women in the coffee supply chain by investing in initiatives that increase the number of women-led producer groups
• Organise capacity-building workshops for female leaders at origin to strengthen their management capabilities

• The fund invests in the purchase and support of wild forest coffee, particularly in regions like Ethiopia
• Support cooperatives in achieving organic certification

• The fund supports the implementation and testing of blockchain technology in the coffee supply chain to enhance traceability and transparency from bean to cup.
• The fund supports the implementation and testing of blockchain technology in the coffee supply chain to enhance traceability and transparency from bean to cup.

• The fund donates to World Coffee Research or other charitable organisations to secure the future of specialty coffee as indicated in the Impact Strategy KPIs

The Union Direct Trade Fund supports Union Direct Trade, promoting sustainable, ethical, and high-quality coffee production while aligning with Union’s Impact Strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).

The fund primarily invests in coffee-related businesses, including coffee producers, cooperatives, exporters, and other supply chain stakeholders. Consideration is given to investment in related impact areas, such as environmental sustainability and community development.

The fund's geographic scope focuses on countries where Union sources coffee and our local community in the UK.

The fund has a positive impact on coffee-producing communities and communities in the UK, by improving livelihoods, fostering fair labour practices, and supporting gender equity in the coffee supply chain.

The fund prioritises investments that promote sustainable coffee farming practices, reduce environmental degradation, and mitigate climate change risks.

The fund enhances the economic resilience of coffee producers by providing them with fair pricing, access to markets, and capacity-building initiatives.

Encourage investments in projects and initiatives that enhance coffee quality, innovation in coffee production, and the overall longevity of specialty coffee.

A fund manager with expertise in impact investing, ethical coffee supply chain, and sustainable agriculture.

An advisory committee consisting of experts in coffee production, sustainability, and impact assessment. The committee provides guidance and oversight to ensure the fund's activities align with its impact objectives.

Robust reporting mechanisms tracking the fund's impact. An annual impact report is published that details the fund's investments, outcomes, and progress toward impact goals.

Engage with key stakeholders, including coffee producers, local communities, and Union’s customers and consumers, to gather feedback, build partnerships, and ensure the fund's initiatives address the needs of all stakeholders.

Clear ethical and environmental guidelines for investments are established. A grievance mechanism for addressing concerns raised by stakeholders is implemented.