Our Sustainable Journey

Enabling farmers to build a sustainable future for themselves, their families and the environment.

As a part of one of the largest coffee buyers, we are committed to supporting the long term sustainability of the coffee market, enabling many coffee farmers around the world to improve their social and economic conditions as well as the stability of the environment.

We support two major sustainable initiatives:

Douwe Egberts Foundation

Our global foundation initiates and coordinates coffee projects in various coffee producing countries, helping small scale farmers improve coffee quality and implement sustainable practices.

UTZ Certified

UTZ means 'good' in a Mayan language from Guatemala.

We have partnered with UTZ CERTIFIED, one of the largest and fastest growing coffee certifications in the world.

UTZ CERTIFIED has one of the most stringent and concise codes of conduct that sets the standard for responsible and professional coffee growing and sourcing.

The code of conduct covers 3 essential areas in sustainability; environmental, social and economic impact.

Good Agricultural & Business Practices

  • Empowers farmers with knowledge on the global coffee market
  • Training to increase productivity and bean quality
  • Record keeping & knowledge of farming costs
  • Proper training of workers, hygiene rules and practices

Social

  • Workers and their families have access to healthcare, clean water and decent housing.
  • Children of workers have access to schooling
  • Safe & healthy working conditions
  • No discrimination & respectful treatment of workers
  • Payment of minimum wages

Environmental

  • Minimalised and safe use of fertilisers & agrochemicals
  • Minimised water and energy usage
  • Prevention of soil erosion
  • Deforestation of primary forests is prohibited
  • Protection of endangered species

UTZ CERTIFIED has an even further benefit, it is fully traceable to the farms where the coffee beans were sourced, really providing the assurance that the UTZ CERTIFIED coffee we purchase is responsibly grown by coffee farmers who take care of their coffee, the people and the environment.

Read some comments from UTZ CERTIFIED farmers;

"With the implementation of record-keeping and good agricultural practices required for UTZ certification we have been able to reduce our water use by 50% and production cost by at least 12%. This decrease was brought about by reducing spraying and through cheaper insurance premiums because of safety precautions."

Mureithi Kieu, General Manager Sasini, Kenya

"Through UTZ CERTIFIED, the producers have developed a culture of improvement of the working conditions of all people involved in coffee production. Also, the opportunity of the certification has improved the relation between the members of the cooperatives and has improved the documentation of the activities and advances of the producers."

Manuel Romero, Central de Cooperativas Cafetaleras de Honduras, Honduras

For more information on UTZ CERTIFIED go to www.utzcertified.org