Sustainability is becoming increasingly popular among businesses and consumers alike. Why? Because responsible businesses recognize the importance of sustainability, and more consumers expect companies to use sustainable business practices. According to recent research, 59% of consumers are more likely to purchase food/beverages that are sustainable,* and 33% of consumers are choosing to buy brands they believe are doing social or environmental good.**
But, what exactly is a sustainable product? According to Wikipedia, sustainable products are those products that provide environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health and the environment over their whole life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials until the final disposal.***
So, let’s take a look at some of the common sustainability certifications and define what they really mean.
What is a sustainability certification?
Sustainability certifications are standards established by independent, third-party groups relating to environmental, social, ethical and product safety issues. These groups incur the cost and responsibility of certifying that products adhere to their standards, and award a certification seal, or logo, that proves compliance. The presence of these seals on a product helps consumers feel confident that they are purchasing a product that meets certain sustainability requirements.
At Farmer Brothers, we’re guided by the belief that businesses can and should contribute to the sustainability of the environment, our communities and our economies. In recognition of its commitment to high quality standards and sustainability, Farmer Brothers roasts coffees that include the following professional certifications: Fair Trade USA, USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance.
Fair Trade USA:
Fair Trade is a global organization that is primarily concerned with alleviating poverty through greater pay equity in international trade. Some of the benefits to growing communities include fair pay for products, gender equality, worker’s rights, banning of child labor and addressing climate change.
When you see the Fair Trade logo on our coffee products, you can feel confident that we are working with coffee growers who are committed to environmental standards that protect their local ecosystem and who comply with all of the Fair Trade certification guidelines.
USDA Organic:
Coffee products with this certification are grown under a set of environmental best practices, including no artificial fertilizers or pesticides, plenty of native habitat and wide buffer zones, and no use of any prohibited substances on the land for at least three years.
When you see the USDA Organic logo on our coffee products, you can be confident that the coffee is grown using sustainable agriculture methods, and is ground and roasted in compliance with the USDA’s National Organic Program criteria.
Rainforest Alliance:
The Rainforest Alliance group works to protect forests, improve the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities, promote their human rights, and help farmers mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. Their efforts cover a number of ecological issues, grower community relations and fair treatment to workers.
When you see the Rainforest Alliance logo on our coffee products, you know that product helps support the rights and well-being of farm workers, the conservation of natural resources and the protection of wildlife and the environment.
Project D.I.R.E.C.T.™:
Currently direct trade relationships are not monitored by a specific, governing body. This makes defining direct trade coffee a little more complex for the consumer. The Farmer Brothers Project D.I.R.E.C.T. direct trade program is audited by independent third parties to ensure there is transparency from the farm through the roasting and sales of these coffees.
When you see the Project D.I.R.E.CT. logo on our coffee products, you can be assured that the coffee is grown on farms that have a one-on-one relationship with Farmer Brothers, that growers promote sustainable farming practices, and that Farmer Brothers is making long-term investments in those growing communities – all to help them thrive and continue their livelihood well into the future.
At Farmer Brothers, we walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. We formally started our sustainability journey over seven years ago and continue to make great strides. We understand the urgency of the task and the peril to the coffee industry if significant changes are not made; and we will continue our dedication to the environment. We have a vision for the future of the coffee industry that includes sustainability in social, economic and environmental areas. To accomplish that vision, we’re holding ourselves accountable today and every day for achieving our sustainability goals and leading the industry in innovative sustainability practices and programs.
Want to add Farmer Brothers sustainable coffees or teas to your beverage service?
Call us at: 800-735-2878
OR, click here to submit our contact form to contact a sales rep.
Sources: *Technomic 2018 C-Store/Foodservice Outlook and Opportunity; **Unilever.com; ***Wikipedia.com