Sustainable Coffee

In 1824, Thomas Jefferson quoted "Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world." Who would have thought that 200 years later, coffee would be the second most popular drink globally, after water?

Drank on a daily basis, coffee is loved by many for its unique, distinct flavor. Coffee drinkers deem it as a source of energy and to many, it provides relaxation and pleasure. And it brings people together, it is not uncommon to hear “Let’s chat more over coffee” or “Let’s have a cuppa”. A popular quote "Coffee is the best thing in life because it brings people together" speaks it all. Today, coffee is regarded as a rich source of antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage. It is also known to enhance focus and alertness, making it a productivity ally.

More people drinking coffee daily requires higher coffee production to meet the increasing demand. However, climate change, compliance regulations, fluctuating market prices, supply chain disruptions etc. have put coffee production at risk. Without measures to ensure sustainability, we could be facing a shortage of coffee supply that would impact millions. So, what does Coffee Sustainability look like in practice?

Coffee growing using sustainable farming methods that are environmentally friendly and regenerative instead of intensive practices such as clearing more forests in higher elevations that leads to a growing need for more land to farm and deforestation. Sustainable Coffee also ensures that coffee farmers are receiving fair wages to alleviate poverty. When farmers are paid fairly for their crops, they can pay labourers fairly, rather than exploiting workers or using child labour. Sustainable income opportunities for farmers creates a sustainable livelihood for them and their families.

JSG’s coffee roasters’ coffee beans include those from coffee producers that are UTZ, 4C and Rainforest Alliance certified. However, we are mindful that obtaining certification is a costly exercise for producers, and many are finding it increasingly difficult to justify the investment. Also, striking a balance between the costs and benefits for all (producers to consumers) is important for long-term viability and ethical integrity of the coffee industry. Hence, we focus on mindfully sourced coffee beans from sustainable farms where possible.

Join us in supporting responsible and sustainable farming, make JSG Coffees your perk me up choice!