Brewing a Better World
We believe in using the power of business to make the world a better place. Each step on the long road from tree to cup gives us an opportunity to create better coffee, and a better world.
Fair Trade Organic Coffees
When we offered our first organic coffee in 1997, we were considered pioneers. In 2000, we were among the first U.S. roasters to sell Fair Trade Certified™ coffee. Today, we're one of the largest providers of double-certified, Fair Trade organic coffees in the nation.
Why Fair Trade Certified™ Coffee?
Our commitment to Fair Trade and organic coffee supports coffee-growing communities, and helps guarantee a long-term supply of high-quality coffee for our customers.
After oil, coffee is the second-highest traded commodity in the world, and trading prices fluctuate wildly. Farmers never know how much they’ll be paid for their beans. When coffee prices fall below production costs, farmers can’t produce good coffee, and many struggle to survive.
Fair Trade provides farmers a fair price for their harvest with a guaranteed minimum, which means they can invest in their crops, their communities, and their future.
Fair Trade helps build economic independence for family farmers around the world by:
- Guaranteeing a fair price for their harvest
- Providing affordable access to credit
- Promoting sustainable farming practices
- Providing access to consumer markets, cutting out unnecessary middlemen
- Supporting community development such as roads and schools
- Enabling farmers to plan for the future
With a Fair Trade price for their coffee, farmers can afford food and health care for their families, and can keep their kids in school. They can also afford to follow time-honored traditions that produce the finest beans. Coffee connoisseurs around the world appreciate Fair Trade Certified™ coffees for their distinctive flavor profiles and rich aromas.
Partnering with Supply-chain Communities
Our work in coffee-growing communities improves the quality of life for farmers, and ensures a long-term supply of high-quality coffee for our customers.
Working Together for Change
We partner with nonprofits because we are all more powerful when we work together toward a common goal.
Building Demand for Sustainable Products
We raise awareness of sustainable coffee, and create “consumer activists” who will demand it.
Awards and Recognition
- Jane Goodall Institute Global Leadership Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility, 2008
- Forbes.com 100 Most Trustworthy Companies, 2009
- CRO Magazine's 2009 Responsible CEO of the Year, 2009, Mid-Cap Category
- Top 100 list, Excellence in Corporate Integrity, Audit Integrity, 2009
- CSR Index 50 list, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Reputation Institute, 2009