UK | Marks & Spencer proudly celebrated over 30 years of partnership with Glasgow-based coffee roaster Matthew Algie, a collaboration rooted in quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Together, they deliver exceptional coffee experiences to customers across the UK, every cup sourced from dedicated farmers and roasted fresh in Glasgow.
M&S was the first retailer to convert all its tea and coffee to Fairtrade in 2006, pioneering sourcing standards that continue to shape the industry. Today, in M&S cafés, a hot drink is served every 90 seconds, equating to more than 27 million cups of coffee.
"M&S and Matthew Algie share a deep commitment to building long-term, meaningful relationships throughout the coffee supply chain. At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief in supporting growers, with smallholder farmers placed front and centre in every buying decision," said Estelle MacGilp, Head of Coffee Sourcing at Matthew Algie.
"One of the most impactful ways this commitment is brought to life is through the sourcing of Fairtrade-certified coffee. With a partnership spanning 31 years, both organisations have consistently prioritised Fairtrade as a way to support farming communities, helping them adapt to the challenges of climate change and navigate an increasingly volatile trading environment."
Coffee itself is a craft at M&S, centred around the iconic Roast & Ritual house blend. Made from 100 percent Fairtrade Arabica beans hand-picked by dedicated farmers in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Peru, this blend offers aromatic flavours of candied nuts and dried fruit, finished with a smooth, sweet aftertaste.
Expertly roasted fresh each week by Matthew Algie’s specialist roasters in Glasgow, Roast & Ritual ensures consistent quality and flavour that reflects M&S’s commitment to delivering the very best café experience in every cup.
Matthew Algie’s journey began in 1864 as a tea blender and wholesaler on the banks of the Clyde. Coffee was added to their range in the 1950s, and by the 1990s, the company was a pioneer in the UK's espresso revolution. A handshake agreement in 1994 marked the start of their lasting partnership with M&S, which has flourished for over three decades.
M&S and Matthew Algie have spearheaded several industry firsts, including the launch of the UK's first Fairtrade espresso bean in 1997 and the world's first triple-certified espresso in 2004—combining Fairtrade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance certifications. These milestones underscore their commitment to excellence and supporting growers.
In 2023, M&S introduced the ‘A Cup of Ambition’ initiative, a programme that donates 1p from every tea and coffee sold across its Foodhall to support farmers and workers in Latin America and Africa.
With the involvement of suppliers including Matthew Algie, this fund has already empowered over 2,000 farmers across six countries, providing vital support for sustainable farming practices and community development.
“At M&S, our customers expect the very best and our partnership with Matthew Algie enables us to deliver just that, consistently. Roasted locally in Glasgow, our coffee supports farmers, communities, and the environment," said Scott Munro, Regional Manager, Scotland West, M&S.
"As we mark International Coffee Day, we celebrate the care and expertise behind every cup, from bean to barista. We look forward to delighting customers with sustainable, premium coffee for many more years.”
Delivering the perfect cup is a team effort. Over 1,700 M&S Café colleagues have benefited from specialist training delivered by Matthew Algie’s dedicated training team. From new staff inductions to advanced Coffee Schools and latte art classes, these hands-on sessions ensure every cup served meets M&S’s high standards and delights customers.
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