BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – McCafés in Brazil are focusing on sustainability with every cup they pour. Arcos Dorados, which franchises McDonald’s restaurants in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries, announced today that its McCafés in Brazil will serve only 100% Rainforest Alliance certified coffee to their customers.
Brazil is home to a large percentage of the world’s remaining rainforests and is by far the world’s largest coffee producer. Brazilians rank tenth among the world’s most prolific coffee drinkers, consuming the equivalent of 4.87 kg. per person annually, according to ABIC, the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association.
“McCafé customers in Brazil want a great tasting cup of coffee, but they also care about the world around them. By choosing a supplier that not only delivers a delicious product but also harvests coffee in a way that protects Brazil’s magnificent rainforests, McCafé customers can enjoy their daily cup and know they’ve taken a step to help protect the environment,” said Celso Cruz, Supply Chain Director for Arcos Dorados Brazil.
Arcos Dorados has selected Rainforest Alliance certified Café do Centro, Brazil’s premier gourmet coffee company, as its supplier based on quality and its record of sustainability, fulfilling the most stringent worldwide certification for responsible forest management. Farms and forests qualifying for the Rainforest Alliance seal are managed according to rigorous environmental, social and economic criteria.
McCafés are a coffee space within McDonald’s restaurants serving 100% Arabica beans in gourmet hot and cold beverages, as well as sweet and savory pastries, including typical Brazilian cheese breads, pão de queijo. The first McCafé in Brazil opened in 2000 in São Paulo. Currently there are 90 McCafés in Brazil.
About Arcos Dorados
Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee in terms of systemwide sales and number of restaurants, operating the largest quick service restaurant (“QSR”) chain in Latin America and the Caribbean.
It has the exclusive right to own, operate and grant franchises of McDonald’s restaurants in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories, including Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The Company operates or franchises 2,086 McDonald’s-branded restaurants with over 95,000 employees serving approximately 4.3 million customers a day, as of September 2014. Recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Latin America, Arcos Dorados is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ARCO, -4.48%
