Sourced directly from Peru, where the farmers and cooperatives are ensured a fair price through the Union Direct Trade sourcing initiative, it will sold by social enterprise Well Grounded, which helps unemployed Londoners into work in the speciality coffee industry.
It will receive a financial contribution for every kilogram of Community Blend sold, expected to total some £75,000 in the first year.
The initiative has been extended by the creation of retail bags, which will be sold from 240 Waitrose stores across the UK and Company of Cooks sites.
Rob Fredrickson, Managing Director of Company of Cooks, said: “We’re incredibly excited to have officially launched our Community Blend coffee.
“The collaboration with Union Hand-Roasted Coffee and Well Grounded is the perfect fit and to see the results of our shared vision come to life is wonderful.
“Community Blend is making a material difference to the lives of people in London and Peru, upholding our important community value of looking after the people and communities we work with and for, whilst safeguarding the planet for future generations.”
Eve Wagg, chief executive and founder of Well Grounded, added: “We provide training, skills and mentorship to support unemployed Londoners into jobs in specialty coffee. Through this partnership we will be able to support an additional 100 people into work over the next three years.”
And Ben Styche, commercial director at Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Company of Cooks and Well Grounded on this pioneering coffee, helping to make a real impact for local Baristas and speciality coffee farmers in Peru.”