Allegro Insists on Higher Prices for Its Coffee Growers

THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2003--
Ernst & Young LLP has performed its third audit on Allegro Coffee Company's green coffee prices.

A practice recently referred to by Fresh Cup magazine as "groundbreaking" (April 2003), Allegro has its prices audited biannually to ensure that it pays the same or better than the internationally recognized fair trade price for specialty coffee.
Ernst & Young reported that between July 1, 2002, and December 31, 2002, Allegro paid, on average, between $.05 and $.21 per pound higher than the internationally recognized fair trade price for specialty and organic coffee. The base fair trade price reported by TransFair USA, headquartered in Oakland, Calif., is $1.26 per pound for specialty coffee and $1.41 for certified organic coffee.
"As more people in the United States become aware of the economic realities of coffee-producing countries, they can effect change with their purchases," said Christy Thorns, Allegro's roastmaster and coffee buyer. "We applaud all the coffee companies and agencies striving to make a difference in the lives of coffee growers, whether it's by financial and service donations or by paying higher green coffee prices."

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