Network Rail drops fairtrade coffee co. AMT
Commuters who currently enjoy being able to buy fairtrade coffee on their way into work will soon find that the AMT stores they know and love have turned into branches of Caffé Nero.
The company – which is one of a small number to source 100% fairtrade beans – lost its 13-year contract with Network Rail, meaning that its station bars will be taken over by the bigger chain. The news comes as a blow not only for consumers who want to support fairtrade but to coffee farmers in the developing world who benefit from the scheme, as a significant buyer is squeezed out of the market.
It may come as no surprise that the decision was a purely financial one: PJ Taylor from Network Rail explains that: 'When AMT’s contract was up for renewal, they just didn’t bid as much as Caffé Nero. It was a simple business decision.' AMT, meanwhile, will be hit hard by the decision, as it currently makes 40% of its income via its station outlets. [Via New Consumer]
