Coffee isn’t just something that cheers you up on that lazy morning! It’s also one of the most important items in the world. Do you know that coffee is cultivated in almost 50 countries?

That makes it a cash crop critical to various economies.   

With so much coffee production and consumption of Arabica green beans, an increasing number of people are becoming interested in learning the social, environmental, and economic aspects of producing coffee. This has led to different certified green coffee beans!

A Brief Overview of Arabica Green Coffee Beans

Basically, Arabica is coffee that comes from the beans of the Coffea Arabica plant. Do you know that this has mainly originated from Ethiopia?

In fact, Arabica green beans are the most consumed type of coffee; accounting for nearly 60% of global coffee production!

Fun Fact:

  • The name Arabica is considered to have formed when coffee travelled from Ethiopia to Arabia in the 7th Century.
  • Mainly, Arabica green beans prefer tropical climates to the equator.
  • Countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia and Brazil are the largest producers of Arabica coffee in the world.
  • In fact, Arabica green beans mainly grow well at high altitudes which is why it is often cultivated on hillsides.

What Does Certified Coffee Mean?

There’s a common idea that coffee that includes earned a certification is automatically more useful. But better how? Is it more sustainable? Does it taste better? What does the certificate indicate for the coffee inside the bag? 

As a matter of fact, certified green coffee beans take one or more aspects of sustainability into account. This means the coffee was grown in a healthy environment, is economically feasible for farmers, promotes fairness among farmers and workers, or all three aspects.

Also, these certified green coffee beans meet all guidelines set by coffee growers and are verified by a certification organisation.

Significance of Certified Coffee

As a matter of fact, certifications in the coffee industry act as a way to ensure those ethical consumers that the coffee they are purchasing meets specific sustainability criteria which they are fond of.

In fact, these certifications are often issued by separate organizations to verify and monitor the traditions of coffee farmers, producers, and buyers.

Certified green coffee beans do help you in a way. But if you look at the efforts and the amount you must be certified, it becomes hard for smallholders. Do not actually think that smallholders profit from them.

  • By promoting clarity and accountability, certifications play a vital role in the coffee industry. 
  • To make more informed choices and support sustainable coffee production, they supply consumers with the information that they need. 
  • They promote ethical sourcing practices and support sustainability initiatives mainly for the speciality coffee buyers which are often prioritised.
  • Thy prioritize fairness, sustainability, and support for coffee farmers, seeking out brands and certifications. Potential coffee buyers and consumers are increasingly seeking those certifications.

Types of Coffee Certifications

Certified green coffee beans are basically a kind of labels that indicate a coffee has met certain standards related to environmental sustainability, colonial responsibility, and economic fairness. They also help consumers make more informed and ethical purchasing decisions. Certifications provide transparency and accountability in the coffee supply chain.

Fair Trade Certification

According to the Fair Trade website, “farmers earn better incomes, allowing them to hold on to their land and invest in quality.” This can link them directly with those importers, creating long-term environmental stewardship and sustainability.

To become certified by Fairtrade, coffee producers must fulfil certain conditions, including:

  • Existing as a small-scale producer organization or a hired labour organization with democratic systems
  • Adhering to Fairtrade’s environmental criteria, including minimizing the use of toxic chemicals and keeping natural resources
  • Including safe working requirements, ensuring fair wages, and prohibiting forced labour and child labour

UTZ Certification

Especially, UTZ has its aims to make farming sustainable! They encourage farmers to implement good agricultural practices and manage their farms profitably with respect for people and the planet. In fact, UTZ is the largest coffee certification program in coffee and cocoa.

The UTZ criteria cover a scope of topics, including:

  • Environmental management, including soil and water protection, waste management, and biodiversity protection
  • Social accountability, including reasonable labour rules, worker health and safety, and community engagement

USDA Organic Certification

Being USDA organic certified green coffee beans must use a farming system that always produces food that supports biodiversity and enhances the soil health by using approved substances and organic farming methods.

This organic coffee certification is typically issued by some third-party organisations that are mainly accredited by government bodies or other regulatory organizations.

In order to produce certified green coffee beans, farmers must follow a set of strict procedures and standards, which may include:

  • If you are using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, then you should avoid it!
  • Utilizing organic compost and other biological methods to keep soil fertility
  • Practicing crop cycle and other ways to manage pests and diseases
  • Protecting water resources and wildlife habitat
  • Following fair labour practices and supporting workers’ rights

Rainforest Alliance Certification

This involves the implementation of effective planning and farm management systems is to improve the livelihood of farmers and their families in coffee-growing regions. Also, rainforest alliance certification helps integrated biodiversity conservation, community development, and more.

Basically, third-party organizations that typically provide Rainforest Alliance coffee certification are accredited by government bodies or other regulatory organizations.

In order to produce certified green coffee beans, those coffee farmers must follow a set of norms and criteria that promote sustainability and safeguard the environment. These standards may include:

  • Protecting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems
  • Preserving reducing pollution and water resources
  • For workers supplying safe and healthy working situations
  • Promoting social equity and supporting local communities
  • Using agroforestry and other sustainable farming practices
  • Accountability in the supply chain and encouraging transparency

How to Choose a Certified Coffee Brand

In the market, there are multiple coffee options available, but finding the right certified green coffee bean brand can seem overwhelming. Yet, by considering a few key factors and looking for the aforementioned certifications, you can easily identify a coffee brand that aligns with your values. 

Make sure you research the company’s sustainability initiatives. See their website and look for points on their sourcing practices, waste reduction efforts, and initiatives to sustain coffee-producing communities. Do they have case studies showcasing their conservation efforts? 

Look for coffee labels that engage in direct dealing with coffee farmers or support smallholder growers in coffee-growing areas. This direct trade may involve creating direct relationships with farmers, ensuring fair prices for their coffee, and supporting endurable farming practices. 

How do producers benefit from certifications?

It’s surely obvious that roasters reap the bonuses of trading with certified green coffee beans. But do the producers who have to attach to these standards see similar benefits?

By acquiring certifications, producers can showcase a dedication to maintaining quality, sustainability, and fair labour practices. Arabica green beans can help to maintain their branding, differentiate from competitors, and even gain access to different markets.

Do you know that certifications demonstrate a producer’s commitment to quality and safety?

It confirms that their business practices have passed specific and strict performance and quality assurance tests.

In theory, this also suggests agriculturalists can make higher profits for certified coffees.

As a matter of fact, if farmers meet all those criteria for the certification programme, they can get a better price for their coffee. This means you can invest more in their farms, and also improve their quality of life.

Selling Certified Green Coffee

Commonly, it is a great way to add credibility to your supply chain if you are buying certified coffee.

But how do you know if it’s the right move for your business?

You may find certified coffee will support your brand and message if you’re doing some of these things:

  • Sourcing or utilising organic foodstuffs, or enabling it in your café
  • Supplying local produce
  • Targeting specific needs, such as the eco-conscious customer
  • Supporting local communities
  • Stocking vegan or eco-friendly food and drink alternatives
  • Promoting charities or sustainable projects in your area

Can Certifications Used In Coffee Marketing

Certified green coffee beans have started to play an important role in coffee marketing, with a bigger focus on:

  • Sustainability
  • Quality
  • Traceability

In theory, certifications can prove that a specific coffee is grown or purchased in an environmentally, socially, or financially sustainable way. Producers achieve this through implementing formal agricultural training programmes, as well as adhering to a strict set of protocols and standards.

For example, to receive the Rainforest Alliance certification, producers need to comply with a number of sustainable requirements.

These include safe and healthy working conditions, environmental protection schemes, and no forced or child labour practices.

Other examples of prominent certifications in the coffee industry include:

  • Fairtrade
  • Organic
  • The 4C (Common Code for the Coffee Community)

Over the past few years, several coffee companies have also launched their own private certification schemes. Some of these are:

  • Nespresso’s AAA programme
  • Starbucks’ C.A.F.E. practices
  • Falcafe’s Neighbours and Friend Program

In turn, including certifications on packaging means roasters and other coffee retailers can more effectively showcase their commitment to ethical business practices. 

Wrapping Up

Coffee has evolved into a staple of our day-to-day lives. Use Arabica green beans to have a better coffee in your lazy morning! But make sure you use certified green coffee beans, today!