In our last blog post, we discussed specialty coffees and their unique characteristics, particularly their “ethical” aspect. Let’s take a closer look this time. What exactly is an ethical coffee (also known as a “virtuous,” “eco-responsible,” or “fair-trade” coffee)?
Let’s start with the extreme—with the definition of a coffee that is anything but ethical… It comes from intensive farming that relies on pesticides and/or chemical fertilizers harmful to ecosystems. The workers on these plantations are exploited. Their working conditions are poor, and they are underpaid. They barely get by. None of these excesses are found in the (ethical) specialty coffees offered by Cafés Van Hove.
Decent working conditions and fair pay
Respect for producers and workers is essential to upholding the concept of ethical coffee. They are paid a fair wage.
The producers
Producers are guaranteed to sell their coffee at a minimum price, set in advance, that is higher than world market prices and not subject to the fluctuating and unpredictable exchange rates. In many producing regions where fair trade is not a priority, farmers are heavily dependent on market fluctuations. If prices drop, there is a risk that their income will no longer be sufficient to cover their production costs. And if prices rise, they do not necessarily benefit—it is other players in the supply chain who “cash in”…
In the case of fair-trade coffee, there are often long-term contracts between producers and buyers, as well as clear and sustainable partnerships. This allows farms to grow over the long term rather than simply scraping by from one harvest to the next, unsure of what the future holds. In some cases, producers form cooperatives: they pool their resources to achieve economies of scale (costs are shared), negotiate more favorable contracts, and invest in collective projects.
Workers
In the world of fair-trade coffee, WORKERS are not exploited either. They receive a decent wage; there is no forced labor or child labor; working hours are reasonable; safety standards are met; they have social security coverage; and they have access to healthcare and education for their families.
It stands to reason that coffee sold at a low price can hardly be considered ethically sourced. Ethical specialty coffee, in addition to being of superior quality and offering an incomparable taste in the cup, comes at a price because it ensures fair compensation for everyone involved in the supply chain. By choosing this type of coffee, you are choosing to support small-scale producers and workers rather than lining the pockets of multinational corporations.
Environmental responsibility
Ethical coffee is coffee that is environmentally friendly and helps protect the planet. There are many ways to achieve this and to ensure the health and sustainability of ecosystems—which are severely strained by conventional, intensive production methods.
In fair-trade coffee farming, producers ensure the responsible use of water. Coffee plants are grown under shade: they are cultivated beneath trees, which promotes biodiversity and protects the soil. In some cases, agroforestry is prioritized—a sustainable farming method that combines trees (forest or fruit trees) with crops or livestock on the same plot of land. This coexistence poses no problems.
Ethical coffee can also be organic. In that case, producers refrain from using pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and GMOs.
Complete transparency
The journey of an ethically sourced coffee is clearly mapped out. You know what you’re buying, you know where it comes from, and you know how it was grown and by whom! Traceability is complete throughout the supply chain, from bean to cup. Committed brands demonstrate total transparency. In fact, they provide information about the origins of their coffees, as well as the conditions under which they are grown, harvested, and processed.
The Limitations of Labels
Some coffees are “certified,” meaning they have been certified by official international organizations (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Bird Friendly, Organic Farming, etc.). These certifications can
be helpful, but they do not necessarily guarantee a fully ethical commitment. A coffee can be ethical without being certified, and vice versa.
These certifications have their limitations. This is because the criteria for obtaining them aren’t always very clear. And because some producers who prioritize sustainable and fair trade farming simply can’t afford the certification. It’s a complicated and costly process that can be a deterrent. So the absence of a certification label on a coffee isn’t necessarily a bad sign.
Article written byPierre Danvoyefor Cafés Van Hove
