STUDENTS can now wake up and smell the Fairtrade coffee.

A brand made exclusively for the University of Huddersfield was launched at the Queensgate campus.

The Peruvian filter coffee will now be served at all future meetings and events.

The university launched the drink yesterday with a tasting day designed to inform students about the coffee’s green credentials.

University environment and sustainability coordinator, Emily Rye said: “We were giving the coffee out for free, and once the word was out it spread like wildfire.

“I’m not a coffee drinker myself but lots of my colleagues are coffee connoisseurs and we’ve had some great feedback.

“Over 300,000 cups are consumed here every year at our open days, awards ceremonies and management meetings.

“We also have our six campus cafes so we are in a position to make a significant and positive impact on both the local and global environment locally.

“As well as the lives of people working in developing countries by actively sourcing sustainable products like this.”

The coffee was designed specifically for the university by local coffee makers Cooper’s.

The university made the switch to Fairtrade coffee back in 2006, but the new blend has approval from both the Rainforest Alliance and the Soil Association.

University vice chancellor Bob Cryan said: “We are proud to be amongst the first to offer our staff, students and customers a product with such highly regarded ethical credentials.

“The introduction of triple-certified coffee on campus demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Fairtrade and sustainable food sourcing, as well as our growing interest in ethical and social responsibility issues.

“We endeavour to make a positive difference with all our purchasing – in this case engaging with both the global economy and environment, whilst also continuing to support businesses in the local community.”

The university staff told the Examiner because they are sourcing the coffee from Leeds Road company Cooper’s, it means they are avoiding any unnecessary ‘food miles’ from transporting goods around the country.