The Pledge:

A common code for transparency reporting in green coffee buying

Our Intentions

• Give any participant in the coffee supply chain the opportunity to sign on and help create a transparency movement.
• Help signatory individuals and companies create a “community of best practice” and set an example for the entire coffee industry.
• Avoid co-optation by non-committed actors by requiring participants to state the percentage of transparent coffees in relation to the total business volume.
• Signatory individuals and companies must commit to a goal of increasing transparency reporting until all coffees bought by an individual company are reported with all information stated in this Commitment.

Our Vision

• Ensure a sustainable supply of coffee by working towards a living income for producers so they will continue to invest in the future of their businesses.
• Transparent reporting enables actors along the supply chain to make informed choices. This will help the industry to raise prices paid to farmers and provide living incomes in coffee producing countries.
• Transparency about Free On Board (FOB) Prices is a first step. We encourage all companies and actors along the supply chain to make prices transparent at every step of the supply chain.
• Transparency is a tool to ensure that marketing claims are backed by actual facts.

Our Commitment

• We will create transparency data that is publicly available and easily accessible;
• state the producer/producer organization the coffee was purchased from;
• state the Free On Board (FOB) price paid for the coffee;
• indicate the quality of the coffee, for instance by using the SCA score in order to indicate cup quality;
• state the lot size (volume) of the coffee purchased;
• state the length of the relationship between producer/producer organization and buyer;
• state the percentage of transparent coffees in relation to the total volume of coffee (in lbs/tonnes) sold in the stated year.

Companies that sign this pledge publish the required information about at least one of the coffees they are selling. If the published information is called into question, companies that signed this contract agree to share a randomly selected number of green coffee contracts with other participants in order to verify information published in the transparency reports (peer review).

Our Signatories

Our Supporters

Authors of The Pledge:

Jonas Lorenz
Andreas “Pingo” Felsen
Meredith Taylor
Peter Dupont
Geoff Watts
Nadine Heymann
Alexandra Urban
Sebastian Simsch

Individual Supporters:

Sven Ostendorf – Germany
Laura LaPlante – United States
Eleonora Ignazzi – Italy
Thomas Riethmüller – Germany
Poh&KY, Lonely Crowd – Malaysia
Sadek Ghossein – Egypt
Ole Kristian Bøen – Norway
Zekeriya Kagan KAYA – Turkey

Understanding the Transparency Pledge

The transparency in the coffee industry is becoming more than just a trend; it’s a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. At Transparency.Coffee, companies that comply with the pledge are leading the way by sharing essential information about the coffees they offer. This effort not only builds trust among customers but also promotes a more responsible coffee market.

What Does the Transparency Pledge Entail?

• Disclosure of Information: Companies must publish detailed information about at least one of the coffees they are selling. This includes sourcing details, processing methods, and pricing structures.
• Peer Review Process: If any details in the published information are questioned, companies are required to share a randomly selected number of green coffee contracts with other participants. This allows for an independent verification of the disclosed facts.
• Accountability: By signing the pledge, companies acknowledge their responsibility to maintain transparency, fostering trust and integrity in their operations.

Benefits of Transparency in the Coffee Supply Chain

Adopting transparent practices in the coffee industry comes with numerous benefits:

• Consumer Trust: When customers can access critical information about their coffee, they are more likely to trust the brand and feel confident in their purchasing decisions.
• Improved Quality: Transparency encourages growers and suppliers to maintain high standards, leading to better quality products.
• Fair Labor Practices: With the pressure to disclose sourcing information, companies can ensure that ethical labor practices are followed, supporting fair wages for farmers and workers.
• Sustainability: Transparency promotes environmentally friendly practices, as consumers become more aware of the impact their coffee consumption has on the planet.

Examples of Pledged Coffee Companies

Several coffee brands have already committed to the Transparency Pledge and are setting benchmarks for others to follow:

• Company A: This brand publishes detailed reports about their sourcing methods, including information about the farmers they work with and the conditions they uphold.
• Company B: Committed to sustainability, they disclose their coffee processing methods and how they minimize environmental impact.
• Company C: Known for high-quality coffees, they share a breakdown of their pricing structures, ensuring that consumers understand how their money supports the supply chain.

How Consumers Can Support Transparency

As a consumer, you can play a vital role in promoting transparency within the coffee industry:

• Choose Pledged Companies: Look for brands that have signed the Transparency Pledge to ensure the coffee you purchase is sourced responsibly.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to coffee brands for more information about their practices. A company that values transparency will be happy to provide you with details.
• Share Knowledge: Educate friends and family about the importance of transparency in the coffee supply chain to encourage mindful purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

The Transparency Pledge is a significant step towards a more ethical and sustainable coffee industry. By supporting companies that commit to transparency, consumers can help ensure that their coffee habits contribute positively to the world. Remember, every cup counts—choose wisely and foster change one sip at a time.