Since 2018, we have adopted anapproach to sustainable coffee production based on two complementary pillars:
1. Sourcing responsibly and boosting production of certified and verified coffee
2. Going beyond certification to support farmers on the ground
“Sustainability is a core strategy and transcends all areas of our business, as a key consideration and driver of our decisions. Responsible sourcing benefits all members of the supply chain – from the farmer to the roaster and consumer, as well as our own business.”Ben Clarkson
Head of Coffee
2021 was a transformational year for the Coffee Platform, laying the groundwork to address risks and challenges anticipated for 2022, and support our long-term sustainability ambitions.
We recognize that our sustainability efforts have a greater impact when we work with like-minded partners. In 2021 we joined, and in one case rejoined, four organizations working toward more sustainable agricultural production.
European Coffee Federation
Represents the interests of European green coffee traders while seeking to ensure the resilience and long-term sustainability of the entire coffee supply chain.
Cool Farm Alliance
A community interest organization that aims to help agricultural producers make more informed on-farm decisions to reduce their environmental impact.
A collaborative effort that defines a set of 2050 goals and interim 2025 targets to fully transform the coffee sector.
A global membership hub that connects global non-profits, businesses and funders to gain clarity around fundraising processes and amplify their positive impact.
To simplify and rationalize our approach to certification, we transitioned all our UTZ and responsibly sourced supply chains to the new Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard, which was introduced in 2020.
We also developed detailed documentation for our own Responsible Sourcing Program, actively using the material to enroll more farmers across our various origins, empowering and enabling them to produce more sustainable yields as a result.
We successfully piloted our first two supply chains in Brazil and Mexico, audited by an independent control body. Based on these trials, the program framework will be finalized and rolled out to additional supply chains in more origins.
Currently, 17% of coffee sourced is traceable to farm-level, putting us well on track to achieve our traceability target of 20% by 2025.
Moving forward, we are looking to unify our business with one traceability system. In 2021, we successfully completed a proof of concept project in Colombia with a new traceability solution provider and have since initiated a global business rollout.
Targets
Design training to support supplier compliance with Code of Conduct
Completion: 2021
Status: Complete
70% of all coffee purchased from Code of Conduct compliant suppliers
Completion: 2025
Status: Complete*
*Reporting begins in 2022
Develop and launch LDC Responsibly Sourced Verified program
Status: In progress
Deadline: 2022
20% of coffee traced to farm through Code of Conduct compliant suppliers
Status: In progress
Deadline: 2025
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