Certification — at whose cost?

We regularly get asked about certifications, and it is always a long story to explain why some coffees we sell are certified and others are not. While taste is our primary driver, we are aware that sustainability for people and the planet is important, and it is the reason we publish our transparency on our coffees. Our concerns around certifications can be summarised in the article we will summarise below, which was originally published on Coffee intelligence Certification adds value, but for whom?

Here are the key takeaways from the post:

1. Certification Labels: Certifications like “organic” and “Fairtrade” are increasingly common on coffee packages, promising ethical and sustainable practices.
2. Market Position: Brands use certifications to enhance market appeal, but the costs and benefits are unevenly distributed.
3. Producer Burden: Producers often bear the high costs of certification, which can be financially burdensome.
4. Price Premium: While certifications can guarantee a price premium, the costs often outweigh the benefits for producers.
5. Market Demand: The demand for certifications is driven by consumers, but producers struggle to justify the investment.
6. Financial Strain: The upfront costs for certification, including audits and capacity building, are significant.
7. Profitability Issues: Many certified producers face reduced profitability due to the high costs of maintaining certification.
8. Co-Investment Model: A co-investment model between producers and roasters could help balance the financial responsibilities.
9. Regulatory Challenges: New regulations and mandatory due diligence requirements may increase the burden on producers.
10. Sustainability and Equity: Achieving a balance between costs and benefits is crucial for the long-term sustainability and ethical integrity of the coffee industry.

The last sentence summarises it well: “As the coffee market continues to grapple with the complexities of certification, striking a harmonious balance between the costs and benefits for all participants is paramount for the long-term viability and ethical integrity of the industry. “

Reference: intelligence.coffee