Fairtrade tea smoked duck, pea soup and chocolate sauce were among the treats on offer at Exeter's Fairtrade Fortnight launch held at Exeter College's fine dining restaurant, @34, this week.

The event, held to officially mark the start of the city's Fairtrade events, showcased the culinary and hospitality talents of the Michael Caines Academy students – the region's next generation chefs and restaurateurs – who were among the dedicated team who prepared and served the 5 course Fairtrade dinner to over 40 guests from across Devon.

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said, “We're very proud of our Michael Caines Academy students who, in their first year at the College are already showing us they aspire to follow in the footsteps of their Michelin starred role model – a former student of ours. Working with our level 3 students in the kitchen, this event is one of many when they are tested to provide excellence in hospitality. We were delighted to be asked to host the Fairtrade launch for the city of Exeter, welcoming such important guests to our restaurant. We are working hard to gain Fairtrade status for the College and understand the importance of the Fairtrade Fortnight in raising awareness locally and across the region of Fairtrade and ethically sourced products.”

The event was attended by guests including city and county councillors and Fairtrade champions. Cllr Ian Martin, Exeter City lead Councillor for Business Transformation and Human Resources and member of the Exeter Fairtrade Steering Committee, said “I'm delighted that Fairtrade Exeter 2012 is being launched at Exeter College. The college is our latest partner in reinforcing our City's commitment to the Fairtrade movement as a growing international city.”

Cllr Saxon Spence, Devon County Councillor for Pinhoe and Mincinglake and chair of the Exeter Branch of the Co-operative Party promoting Fairtrade, said “We are absolutely delighted that Exeter College is hosting this wonderful dinner and we’re particularly pleased that Michael Caines is here as guest speaker. It gets Fairtrade Fortnight off to a flying start and hopefully everyone in the city will enjoy a range of events and have the opportunity to meet with our Fairtrade visitors.”

Michael Caines, guest speakers at the event said, “I am delighted that the MC Academy students had such a high profile at this important event. The training programme has been designed to include experiences and events like this that hone their high quality skills, raising the standards of hospitality even further. Fairtrade is a very important issue here in Devon and I am delighted to support this issue.”