200 Degrees announces Switch Up as charity partner in three-year commitment.

East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees Coffee has announced its partnership with Nottingham-based Switch Up as part of a three-year commitment.

The roaster has created a unique Switch Up roast of coffee and brand new coffee pods, which will be available to order across its 18 coffee shops, with £1 in every kilo roasted going directly to the charity - with a minimum commitment of £10,000 a year.

The speciality grade coffee itself is grown in Guatemala, produced exclusively by female farmers, which is unusual in the typical male dominated coffee industry, under the ‘La Morena’ collective group from Volcafe Select. Since they joined the programme, the farmers have raised the quality of their coffee, increased their yields, and, as a consequence, started earning more. In teaching them best practices, their farms are turning out excellent coffee and becoming viable businesses.

Customers can request the Switch Up blend when purchasing bags of coffee in store or online, and on sit in or takeaway drinks during selected times.

Switch Up, which was founded by CEO Marcellus Baz BEM, empowers young people, children and young adults from disadvantaged communities affected by crime and violence to reach their true potential. The charity uses its fivepillar approach to help connect young people with employment, training and education opportunities.

The three-year partnership with 200 Degrees will provide much-needed funding for the charity, enabling its team of mentors to continue to offer their vital support to young people and run its sister organisation the Nottingham School of Boxing.

CEO Rob Darby said: “Life can be challenging and volatile for some young people and the incredible work Marcellus and the Switch Up team do has a direct and positive impact on young lives.

“200 Degrees is a Nottingham born business and it’s important to us to support local organisations and causes. The passion, care and impact of Switch Up is immeasurable and we are humbled and proud to be supporting them.” 200 Degrees is also hosting its annual Swap Shop event, across its 18 coffee shops, in December. The coffee roaster is asking customers and members of the public to bring new, unused and unopened hygiene items in exchange for a delicious cup of coffee. These items will then be donated to local charities who need them most, with 200 Degrees’ Nottingham Flying Horse Walk shop gifting its donations to chosen charity Switch Up.

Marcellus Baz, founder and CEO of Switch Up, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be galvanising our partnership with 200 Degrees. The support of 200 Degrees, through their amazing Swap Shop initiative, made a significant difference to the help we could provide to vulnerable families across Nottingham last Christmas. This year is set to be even bigger and better through the addition of the donations that will be made through the Switch Up coffee. Purchasing a few bags will make a fantastic Christmas gift or it’s a really great way for local businesses to lend their support to a worthy cause that impacts their city.

“All funds will go towards supporting those struggling with their mental health or at risk of having no food on their table or presents under their tree this Christmas. Unfortunately, with the aftereffects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis still being felt, this will mean that we will be helping more local people than ever before.”

Since its inception in 2013, Switch Up has continued to support over 800 young people at any one time from its boxing gym in St Ann’s, Nottingham, and earlier this year, from a second location in Mansfield. The charity has further plans for expansion, to reach and support more young people and their families.