Coffee is a daily ritual for many of us, but how much do we really know about the journey our coffee beans take to reach our cup? Behind every cup of coffee is a complex supply chain, from harvesting the beans to roasting and exporting. This supply chain is often characterized by challenges such as low wages for coffee farmers and unethical working conditions.
Many coffee farmers in countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia struggle to survive every day because they are not paid fairly for their hard work. By buying fair trade coffee, we can ensure that farmers receive a fair wage and can invest in better living and working conditions.
Coffee production faces numerous economic and environmental challenges. Climate change leads to weather extremes such as heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall, which have a massive impact on crop yields. Less coffee means higher prices and greater uncertainty for producers.
In addition, production costs have risen worldwide. Wages, energy, fertilizer and transport costs have increased, which has a direct impact on the final price of coffee. Currency and market fluctuations also play a role, as many coffee beans are traded in US dollars. All these factors make coffee production a risky business.
Fair trade initiatives are committed to ensuring that coffee farmers are paid fairly and can work under better conditions. By buying fair trade coffee, we not only support the farmers, but also sustainable farming methods that protect the soil and the environment.
Fair trade coffee helps to ensure that value creation increasingly takes place in the countries where the coffee is grown. This means that coffee is increasingly roasted and processed in the countries of origin, which strengthens local economies and creates sustainable jobs.
Paying more for coffee often also means having more quality in your cup. Higher-priced coffees are usually better processed, more sustainably grown and more complex in taste. You can taste the difference!
What's more, by buying more expensive, fair-trade coffee, you are directly supporting the coffee farmers. This improves their living and working conditions and is an important step against exploitative low prices. It is a conscious decision for a fairer and more sustainable coffee industry.
The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in promoting fair trade coffee. Restaurants, cafés and hotels can have a major impact on the entire supply chain by choosing sustainable and fair trade coffee.
By offering their guests high-quality, fair-trade coffee, they set an example for quality and sustainability. This can not only raise consumer awareness, but also make a positive contribution to the coffee industry as a whole.