Founded in 1991 by Oxfam, Traidcraft, Equal Exchange and Twin Trading, Café Direct responded to the collapse in coffee prices that left many growers earning less than basic living costs. As the first UK coffee brand to carry the Fairtrade certification, it has long pioneered ethical sourcing. Its "Gold Standard" framework governs business decisions to always pay fair prices, include farmers in governance, and reinvest profits into producer training and development.

Café Direct sells a broad range of coffee (beans, ground, instant). Key lines include Fairtrade and organic options, single-origin blends (like Machu Picchu), dark and rich roasts, and decaffeinated versions. Quality is emphasised via roasting and sourcing, designed to deliver flavour without compromising ethics. Why Stock Café Direct: Ethical credentials: Fairtrade, direct trade with growers, shared profit model - this appeals to conscious consumers. Strong brand story: long history, pioneering, clear values. Quality & variety: good taste offerings across roast types, origins and formats. Sustainability & impact: commitments (via Gold Standard) to improve farmer incomes, sustainability practices, amplify farmers' voices.