Cafédirect recently celebrated its ongoing partnership with the Peak District National Park Foundation by hosting a team-building event in the picturesque Peak District National Park. Employees from Cafédirect engaged in a variety of activities including assisting park rangers with conservation tasks, learning traditional dry stone walling techniques, and exploring the natural beauty of the park through guided walks. Participants also had the opportunity to experience abseiling under the guidance of experts from Peak Mountaineering.
Roisin Joyce, director of the Peak District National Park Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled that Cafédirect’s team had the chance to witness firsthand the impact of their support. The proceeds from Dark Peak coffee are contributing significantly to conservation efforts across the Peak District, including nature restoration, volunteer initiatives, and projects aimed at enhancing accessibility within the park.”
The partnership, which began in 2022 with Bewley’s UK and was continued by Cafédirect following its acquisition of Bewley’s coffee roasting and distribution business last year, has proven mutually beneficial. Cafédirect’s roastery, located in Meltham, West Yorkshire—on the periphery of the Peak District—has seen staff actively involved in volunteering efforts with the Foundation in 2022 and 2023, contributing to the protection of moorland habitats on Bleaklow Moor.
The corporate day served as a valuable opportunity for the newly-integrated coffee teams to bond while gaining insight into the positive impact of their work. John Steel, CEO of Cafédirect, reflected on the experience, saying, “Our day with the Peak District National Park Foundation was exceptional. Immersed in the stunning landscape, we were reminded of the crucial role nature plays for everyone. This commitment extends to our support for coffee growers in Latin America and Africa, promoting sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.”
The Peak District National Park Foundation, established in 2019, is dedicated to raising funds for projects that support the vitality of the National Park for both people and nature. Cafédirect, founded in 1991, has been a pioneer in ethical coffee trade, becoming the first UK coffee brand to earn the Fairtrade mark in 1994 and the first B Corp-certified coffee company in 2018.