Understanding the difference between ethical coffees

Paul Smithson

06/10/2011 13:17:10

The difference between two of the most popular types of ethical food production has been explained.

This could help the average espresso coffee drinker to understand how their consumer choices affect global sustainability.

The Guardian pointed out that the most commonly seen “sustainability stamps” are the Rainforest Alliance and the Fairtrade Foundation, but the two organisations have very different goals - despite being lumped together as “ethical”.

For the Rainforest Alliance, the main thrust of their operations is to preserve the environment and biodiversity. Growers who sign up to this model need to abide by a number of principles that ensure local habitats are not disturbed and green initiatives are pursued.

In contrast, the Fairtrade Foundation is all about the bean counters - making sure that producers in developing countries are not short-changed by multinational firms.

Commenting on the UK’s role in the coffee sector, the publication said: “Despite our dedication to tea and our low global ranking (47th) in the coffee consumption per capita stakes, last year, British consumers spent over £730 million on coffee.”

Britons’ love of their coffee at work was recently highlighted in an Officebroker.com study reported by The Telegraph, which revealed that caffeine was more important to staff than green initiatives.

When asked whether they would accept losing their coffee machines if it meant environmental projects could be carried out instead, six in ten respondents said no.