In November 2001, Starbucks introduced an unprecedented set of coffee sourcing guidelines to encourage the sustainable production of high-quality coffee.

Developed with the support of Conservation International’s Centre for Environmental Leadership in Business, the guidelines reward farmers and suppliers who meet important quality, environmental, social and economic criteria with financial incentives and preferred supplier status.

Suppliers are required to submit an application to the program documenting their sustainable measures. The application must be verified by an independent third party and is subject to audit.

Product Quality (PREREQUISITE)

            All products purchased from C.A.F.E Practices suppliers must meet Starbucks high-quality standards.

Economic Accountability (PREREQUISITE)

            C.A.F.E. Practices suppliers are required to submit evidence of payments madder at all levels along out coffee supply chain, including receipts that indicate how much was paid to farmers for their coffee.

Social Responsibility (EVALUATED COMPONENTS)

            C.A.F.E Practices suppliers- and other entities with the supply network- must have certain practices in place that ensure safe, fair and humane working conditions, the protection of the workers’ rights and adequate living conditions.  The minimum living wage requirements and child labour/ forced labour/ discrimination criteria are mandatory.

Environmental Leadership (EVALUATED COMPONENTS)

            In the growing and/or processing of coffee, environmental measures must be in place to manage waste, protect water quality, conserve water and energy use, preserve biodiversity and reduce agrochemical use.

Results:

            5 years after such social and environmental implementation for production, processing and purchasing of the coffee, we attained a significant result.  Over half of our coffee purchases (155 million pounds/ 70 million kilos) in fiscal 2006 were done by suppliers which followed these guidelines, twofold the results of the previous year.  This reflects the tremendous increase in the implementation of “C.A.F.E” in such a short time.