BONN, Germany – A new report from the Global Coffee Platform (GCP) reveals growth in sustainable coffee purchases in 2023. This year’s report includes more roasters and retailers reporting through a wider range of recognized sustainability schemes compared to previous years.
The Sustainable Coffee Purchases Report 2023 is the result of collaborative efforts by nine leading companies, showcasing their commitment to increasing transparency around the demand for sustainable coffee and progress in annual sustainable coffee purchases.
This fifth edition publication from GCP’s Collective Reporting uniquely provides insights on the responsible sourcing progress of JDE Peet’s, Julius Meinl, Keurig Dr Pepper, Melitta Group, Nestlé, SUPRACAFÉ, Taylors of Harrogate, Tesco and Westrock Coffee using aligned, comparable metrics.
“The reporting of prominent coffee companies contained in this innovative report is an example of how increases in sustainable coffee purchases – 1,391,796 MT in 2023, which represents over 73% of the overall reported coffee purchases – are expanding the global marketplace,” said Annette Pensel, GCP Executive Director.
“The provision of meaningful data and regular measurement around demand for sustainable coffees is essential to drive the sector towards sustainability.”
A common language for coffee sustainability
The report is also a salute to growing number of sustainability schemes aligning their work with the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code through GCP’s Equivalence Mechanism. The resulting GCP recognition of these schemes, classified either 3rd party or 2nd party assurance according to their respective assurance models, represents crucial alignment on the foundational principles of sustainability allowing for measurable progress on coffee sustainability. The Sustainable Coffee Purchases Report 2023 thus contains 19 sustainability schemes eligible for reporting, and expanded data insights from schemes themselves, notably from 3rd party assurance schemes.
The following 19 sustainability schemes were eligible for 2023 Collective Reporting:
The business case for shared responsibility
“The alignment made evident in this report, the growth in numbers and the overall uptake of GCP’s tools is a positive move for the coffee sector. Significant additional individual and collaborative efforts are still needed to achieve transformational change. We must strive for positive results in the economic viability of sustainable coffee farming and a living income for producers and workers while preserving nature and addressing climate change, effectively.”
GCP Members have also emphasized the role of pre-competitive, collective action to effectively and efficiently address these challenges including regulatory compliance as was heard during the platform’s annual member assembly held earlier this year.
As a result, says Pensel, GCP will continue to expand sector alignment in the coming months through facilitating a common language for regenerative agricultural practices for coffee, as well as a dialogue aiming at a set of common procurement practices.
“We’re excited by the progress made and the potential that further alignment and collective action will bring for the future of farmer prosperity and coffee sustainability. We forward to welcoming more roasters and retailers joining the 2024 report.”
Read the report here.
