A Very Quick Recap of the past 3 weeks: my big mouth had me proposing Fair Trade Coffee for Lime [0] , I've pondered why Fair Trade really is a good idea [0], I've survived my fear of a heartbreak [0], and this week had some good news.
In researching Fair Trade [0] and talking to coffee producers, I’ve discovered a genuine willingness to support Fair Trade—in fact most coffee companies have some sort of specialty or gourmet line that proudly carries the Fair Trade Logo [1].
Which means, it is really up to you and me. 70% of American consumers say they are willing to spend on companies who consider (and care about) the social and environmental impact of their business. And this isn’t all talk; sale of Fair Trade Certified Coffee has grown on average nearly 75% a year [2] since 1999. Thank you, America!
Transfair USA has a delightful facts sheet on coffee. I’ll give you a quick overview, but you can also download it [3] and feel good about spending your money in a way that matters:
Most surprising is Dunkin’ Donuts [4]' commitment to Fair Trade. (Dear Dunkin’ Donuts, please accept my most sincere apologies for judging before knowing!) In 2003 they became the first national brand to sell espresso beverages [5] that are made exclusively with Fair Trade Certified™ coffee.
And as of 2005, when Costco’s Kirkland Signature Brand converted to Fair Trade Certified Starbucks’ beans, and Café Bom Dia – a producer of organic [5], Fair Trade, Brazilian coffees – partnered with SAM’S CLUB to offer a Fair Trade Certified French Roast blend - an estimated 80 million American households have access to Fair Trade Coffee through the clubs.
As for me and my quest to transition Lime’s office in New York to a 100 % organic and Fair Trade certified coffee distributor, I have finally connected with Equal Exchange [6] and I’m loving them. I’ve scheduled a follow-up with our most excellent office manager Marianne [6], in which I have some good news to present: not only does Equal Exchange come in under my price point, but they offer a wide selection of products, all organic and Fair Trade Certified—and if all goes well, they might also provide our brewing equipment (still negotiating...).
And while I have your attention, which I am very grateful for, I’m shamelessly going to promote Black Gold [7] premiering this Friday, October 6th. Check their web site for listings of theaters close to you. Having seen the movie back in June, I left the theatre a reformed coffee addict, resulting in some serious research, this blog, and some of the best coffee I have ever had.
And what more could you really wish for?