LITTLE ROCK, Ark., USA — Westrock Coffee announced that its Raíz Sustainability™ initiative has been recognized by the Global Coffee Platform (GCP) as equivalent to the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code) under the 2nd party assurance category. This prestigious recognition underscores Westrock Coffee’s commitment to advancing sustainability within the coffee supply chain.
“We are thrilled to receive GCP’s recognition,” said Brooke Cantrell, Vice President–Sustainability, for Westrock Coffee Company. “Raíz Sustainability™ exemplifies our vision for a sustainable future in the coffee industry. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing farmers the support they need on their sustainability journeys and allows us to join a collective of GCP recognized programs that are driving sustainable change in our industry.”
The Coffee SR Code was developed to align the coffee sector on essential sustainability practices and principles by addressing economic, social, and environmental dimensions of coffee production. By completing GCP’s Equivalence Mechanism Process, Westrock’s Raíz initiative demonstrates that it adheres to recognized practices and principles on par with the Coffee SR Code.
GCP’s Equivalence Mechanism involves a comprehensive assessment against operational criteria to ensure that Raíz and other sustainability schemes are credible and effective. These criteria focus on governance, standard-setting, assurance, data management, and claims requirements. GCP collaborates with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to maintain the integrity of this process.
“We believe that the recognition of Raíz as equivalent to the Coffee SR Code, 2nd party assurance, represents a significant step not only for Westrock Coffee but for our customers and our farmer partners who collaborate with us,” added Cantrell. “By aligning with the GCP’s Coffee SR Code, Raíz’s boots-on-the-ground approach to sustainable supply is coupled with an industry-wide reference standard.”
The acknowledgment of Raíz adds to the growing list of sustainability initiatives recognized by GCP, fostering a unified approach to sustainability in the coffee sector. As one of GCP’s recognized programs, Westrock Coffee’s Raíz Sustainability initiative exemplifies the company’s dedication to transparency and collaboration in improving sustainability across the coffee supply chain.
Westrock Coffee remains committed to upholding and promoting sustainability principles, ensuring that responsible practices are effectively integrated into its sourcing processes.
For more information about Westrock Coffee and its Raíz Sustainability™ initiative, please visit westrockcoffee.com
