C.A.F.E. Practices (2024)

Since 2015, Starbucks^® coffee has been verified as 99% ethically sourced, and we are the largest coffee retailer to achieve this milestone.

This verification programme measures farms against quality, economic, social and environmental criteria, all designed to promote transparent, profitable and sustainable coffee growing practices while also protecting the wellbeing of coffee farmers, their communities and our planet.

ECONOMIC TRANSPARENCY

Starbucks^® suppliers (farmers, producers, and exporters) are required to submit evidence of payments made for green coffee throughout the supply chain, including how much was paid directly to farmers for their coffee.

This ensures we know which farms we purchase from, the names of the farmers, and the price paid to each of them for the coffee.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Coffee producers need to protect the rights of people working on their farms and must have measures in place that promote a safe, fair and humane work environment.

This includes criteria around wages and benefits, hiring practices, hours of work, use of protective equipment, access to medical care and education.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

With growing and processing coffee, C.A.F.E. Practices includes sustainable agricultural practices and environmental measures that must be in place for managing waste, protecting water quality, conserving water and energy, preserving biodiversity and reducing agrochemical use.