What is Ethically Sourced Coffee?

Growing coffee is a complex process. There is much to consider on the path from farm to cup. Over time, Starbucks recognized a need to create guidelines to make farming more sustainable and ensure coffee quality. Working in partnership with Conservation International, Starbucks launched C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) Practices in 2004. This holistic framework helps improve quality of life for farmers and other workers and supports their efforts all along the supply chain.

The first program of its kind in the coffee industry, C.A.F.E. Practices is the cornerstone of the Starbucks approach to ethical sourcing. These guidelines provide comprehensive social, environmental, and economic criteria that if followed sustain and strengthen communities that grow coffee while maintaining Starbucks high quality standards, now and into the future.

Today, 99 percent of Starbucks® coffee is ethically sourced and third-party verified, through C.A.F.E. Practices. Starbucks has a responsibility to the people who produce our coffee and the land on which it grows. Together, we’re bringing you the finest coffee and working to make the world a better place by caring for people, the planet and the coffee in your cup.