I’m not alone in my morning ritual – many people rely on a good cup of coffee to kick-start their day. For me, life truly begins once I’ve sipped that first cup. The opportunity to join Keurig Canada on a trip to Colombia’s Eje Cafetero region, a traditional hub for coffee production, was a chance to gain new insights into the world of coffee. What I learned has forever changed my perspective on the rich aroma and flavor that fills my daily routine.
Sustainable Living
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As I sipped on my morning coffee, it dawned on me that we rarely take a moment to ponder the story behind our daily cups. Like most products we consume, coffee’s journey from farm to table is often overlooked. It’s time for us to ask more questions: Who grew and harvested the beans? What happened along the way to bring them to my doorstep? And what ultimately becomes of the used grounds?
First Things First – It is a Fruit
Contrary to popular belief, coffee is actually a fruit that thrives on trees. The misconception arises from the fact that we refer to its seeds as ‘coffee beans’, which is technically incorrect. In reality, coffee ‘beans’ are the pit of the red, fleshy, and cherry-like coffee fruit, not beans at all.
The Coffee Making Process – Farm to Cup
The journey of bringing a cup of coffee from Colombia to your morning ritual is a complex and intricate process. As one of the top ten roasters in the world by volume, Keurig Canada takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every step of the way meets high standards for social, economic, and environmental responsibility. In fact, Keurig has made a pledge to transition from traceable coffee to 100% responsibly sourced coffee by 2020, guaranteeing that its coffee is not only of exceptional quality but also socially and environmentally sustainable. As the largest buyer of Fair Trade certified coffee in the world, Keurig Canada is truly a leader in the realm of coffee sustainability.As I had the opportunity to experience firsthand during my visit to Colombia, the process of bringing coffee from farm to cup involves several crucial stages:Planting – Coffee beans are actually seeds that can be replanted and grow into trees. The best seedlings are selected and transplanted when they reach a certain size. Only the finest coffee trees make it into production.Growing – It takes around 3-4 years for newly planted coffee trees to produce fruit, which is called the coffee cherry. When ripe, these cherries turn a deep red hue and are ready for harvest.Harvesting – Hand-picking is essential in harvesting the best quality coffee cherries. This labor-intensive process requires great care and attention to detail. In Colombia, farmers can often reap two harvests per year.Processing – After picking, the cherries go through a wet mill that removes their outer layer, leaving behind a wet coffee bean. The beans are then fermented to remove any remaining external layers.Drying – The processed coffee beans are spread out on roofs and tables to dry in the warm sunlight.Milling – Once dried, the coffee beans are taken to a co-op by the farmer, where they undergo a process to remove their outer layer of parchment. They are then sorted and graded for quality.Exporting – Finally, the coffee beans are exported to Keurig, marking the beginning of their journey from farm to cup.Roasting, Grinding, and Packaging – Keurig takes over, expertly roasting, grinding, and packaging the coffee beans, preparing them for sale.Brewing – And so, the final step arrives: brewing. But as you can see, the path to getting that perfect cup of coffee is long and arduous, involving multiple stages and meticulous attention to detail.
Makes sure you check out my trip vlog on YouTube for better quality
Coffee Farmers – The Heart of the Coffee Industry
I’ll never forget the sense of pride and dedication that emanates from the coffee farming families in Colombia. Our trip was a humbling experience, as we got to witness firsthand the tireless efforts these individuals put into their craft. It’s clear that Keurig values its relationships with farmers, recognizing that quality coffee begins with strong bonds between producers, employees, and communities. Through various initiatives, Keurig has empowered farming families by promoting sustainable practices, generating new income streams, and providing access to clean water. One of the most impressive aspects of our trip was seeing how Keurig is helping farmers become stewards of their community’s water resources, reducing waste, and preserving the environment for those downstream.
Climate Change – How it Impacts the Coffee Growing
Climate change poses a significant threat to global coffee production, with demand for the beverage growing worldwide. To meet this demand, we must increase production on already limited land, making it essential to improve resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. Coffee’s low genetic diversity exacerbates its vulnerability to climate fluctuations and limits farmers’ profitability. In response, industry leaders like Keurig Canada are driving innovation through collaborations such as World Coffee Research, which aims to identify strategies for mitigating climate-related challenges, including disease, pests, and environmental shifts in the coffee farming sector. Additionally, initiatives like ‘Todos al Agua’, a partnership between Keurig, RGC, and ANSERMA, focus on enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change by improving their ability to manage water resources, protect watersheds, manage wastewater, and adopt effective soil management practices. These efforts aim to safeguard coffee farming from the impacts of climate change and support sustainable business growth for coffee producers.
Community Relationships in Colombia
Keurig’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships and partnerships is evident in its collaboration with the Embera Chami indigenous community of San Lorenzo, Colombia, dating back to 2001. This partnership has enabled the company to source high-quality coffee from approximately 500 smallholder farmers for Timothy’s La Vereda coffee. By guaranteeing premium prices for this rare coffee, Keurig not only supports these farmers but also invests in community development projects, such as school constructions and health clinics. Furthermore, the PROCOMPITE Project, in partnership with Socodevi, a Canadian NGO, empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices, upgrade wet-milling infrastructure, and gain access to specialty markets. This synergy benefits both the producers and the business, as seen through the example of La Vereda. Our visit revealed how initiatives like managing coffee wastewater, improving cooperative functioning, and building community capacities enhance farmer resilience and enable Keurig to secure the necessary high-quality coffee. It was inspiring to witness firsthand how this relationship not only improves lives but also builds a stronger, healthier community for the farmers and their families.
Embracing Sustainability
I’m thrilled to share that recyclable K-Cup pods are now available, making it easier than ever to reduce your environmental impact. In fact, recycling Keurig pods is a breeze, requiring just three simple steps: first, allow the pod to cool and peel off the lid starting from the puncture point; next, compost or dispose of the coffee grounds, leaving the filter intact; finally, toss the empty pod into your recycling bin. That’s it! With these easy steps, you can help minimize waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
As someone who has had the opportunity to visit Colombia, I can attest that it’s a stunning country with so much beauty and culture to explore. But what struck me most during my trip was the story behind the products we use every day – like coffee. It made me think twice about where our daily habits come from and how they impact the environment.
Keurig Canada is doing its part to promote sustainability in the coffee industry, being the largest buyer of Fair Trade certified coffee globally and a leader in coffee sustainability. By making smart choices when buying products, we can all support sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. This collaboration with Keurig Canada was brought to you to encourage responsible consumerism and appreciation for the little things – like the perfect cup of coffee.