Starbucks says it will double its buying of ‘fair-trade’ coffee

Phoenix Business Journal - by Puget Sound Business Journal

Starbucks Corp. said it will double its purchases of “fair trade-certified” coffee to 40 million pounds next year.

Officials at the Seattle coffee giant said it will be the largest purchaser of fair-trade coffee in the world.

The announcement was made in conjunction with Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, which is a nonprofit group that develops standards that fair-trade producers must meet.

“By doubling our commitment to fair trade certified and scaling up our global partnership, we have a unique opportunity to further reinforce our ongoing efforts to benefit farmers and communities,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks (Nasdaq:SBUX) CEO, in a statement.

Fair-trade principles involve labor conditions, community development, democratic decision-making, pricing and environmental sustainability.