- In recent years, as little as three cents from a $3 cup of coffee reached the farmers who grew the beans. Three cents! These prices – and the gross inequality in bargaining power – trap farmers in under–developed countries into a cycle of debt and poverty for generations.
- World coffee prices have improved recently which has provided some relief for farmers and coffee workers. But the dynamics of the coffee market have not shifted in ways that guarantee long-term stability for those at the bottom of the supply chain.
Direct trade is a term used by coffee roasters who buy straight from the growers through direct co-operatives and cutting out both the traditional middleman buyers and sellers and also the organizations that impede the direct growers from maximum financial benefit. Direct trade proponents say this model is a good one because they build mutually beneficial and respectful relationships with individual producers or cooperatives in the coffee-producing countries. The benefits also of direct trade allows roasters like Red Star Coffee to have more control over aspects ranging from the quality of the coffee, to social issues, or environmental concerns.
Giving growers a fair go is extremely important to Red Star.
We are an official licensee for Fairtrade: Red Star Coffee FLO ID 18005
Most of the world’s coffee beans are produced by small–crop farmers in developing countries. These guys have little bargaining power in an industry dominated by a few large and powerful international coffee companies and so are often forced to put up with unfair and unstable prices for their beans.
Fair Trade aims for everyone in the supply chain to get a fair go. At Red Star Coffee, we think this is important – and we’re proud to offer our partners the chance to make a difference in giving these people a hand up – not a hand out.
Our beans are sourced ethically with a fully transparent supply chain, starting with our growers. The blends we offer feature certifications including organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, estate grown and shade–grown.
Fair Trade for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and better environmental protection.
It’s a way that you can take action every day to make a real difference to people’s lives. And we think it’s a story your customers will like too! Red Star will be extending further support to specific growers in the future. In addition to sourcing fair trade coffee we will be supporting and developing estates with direct resources from Australia to ensure longevity for poorer coffee–growing families for years to come.
