In November 2001, Starbucks introduced an unprecedented set of coffee sourcing guidelines to encourage the sustainable production of high-quality coffee.

Developed with the support of Conservation International’s Center for Environmental Leadership in Business, the guidelines reward farmers and suppliers who meet important quality, environmental, social and economic criteria with financial incentives and preferred supplier status.

Suppliers are required to submit an application to the programme documenting their sustainable measures. The application must be verified by an independent third party and is subject to audit.

Initial results

Starbucks has received more than 90 applications to the programme from coffee suppliers who are making sustainability a priority. These suppliers are making investments to conserve natural resources, add clean water technologies, improve social conditions, and reduce or eliminate the use of agro-chemicals.

Starbucks has also been recognized by the coffee industry, non-governmental organizations and governments for pioneering this programme. We plan to take what we have learned from the first year of the programme and improve upon it – through independent verification, monitoring performance and gathering more feedback from growers, inspectors and external organizations.

Other CSR-related links

Coffee Purchasing
Conservation Coffee™
Environment Mission Statement
Organic Coffee
Providing Farmers With Access to Credit
Social Development Projects
Starbucks and CARE
Tazo® and Mercy Corps