Coffee is a global industry that connects millions of people around the world. The coffee supply chain is intricate and extensive, from small coffee farmers in remote regions to urban specialty coffee shops serving customers daily.

As with other long and complex supply chains, there are many stress points. Disruptions at one end of the chain can cause significant market disturbances on the other, as climate, logistics, and labour challenges have been demonstrated over the last few years. Unfortunately, these disturbances typically cost supply chain partners in one way or another, and some will resort to unlawful activities to secure their profits.

Over the years, there has been a growing emphasis on improving transparency within this complex system that brings together coffee farmers, exporters, importers, traders, roasters, and retailers.

Source Certain is a proud member of ACTA (Australian Coffee Traders Association) and IWCA (International Women’s Coffee Alliance – Australia)

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European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) mandates evidence-based origin verification measures for forestry-related supply chains, including the coffee supply chain. Source Certain’s scientific technology provides origin verification that assists companies in complying with the new law.

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Key issues facing coffee supply chains

Deforestation
Deforestation is a significant concern in coffee-growing regions. It occurs on coffee farms or public/protected land nearby, causing the loss of natural habitats. Although it’s widely known to occur in rainforests along the ‘Bean Belt, ‘ it is an occurrence that is difficult to document accurately, causing widespread transparency issues in the chain.

Lack of traceability
The lack of reliable information and records regarding the origin, processing, and journey can lead to challenges in ensuring sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing practices.

Mislabelling of origin
Fraudulent coffee producers mislabel the origin of their coffee, claiming it comes from renowned coffee-growing regions to command higher prices.

Species substitution
The substitution of premium Arabica coffee beans with cheaper Robusta beans. This misleads consumers who seek the distinct flavours and qualities of Arabica coffee.

Unethical labour practices
This often involves exploitative labour practices, including the use of child labour, human rights violations, and unfair wages for coffee farm workers.

Origin verification for the coffee industry

Source Certain offers two programs for the coffee industry. The Country of Origin Verification for Coffee Program is specifically designed for the coffee industry to screen the fundamental claim of the country of origin. It is an efficient and affordable starting point for identifying suspected fraud, substitution or mislabelling cases.

Our Provenance Verification Program is a comprehensive program that creates a reference database of all discrete growing locations (plantation level) belonging to a producer. It includes periodic referencing of in-supply chain product samples to provide ongoing verification of the integrity of the product and its attached claims as it moves through the supply chain.

Explore our Country of Origin Verification for Coffee Program

Explore our Provenance Verification Program