The sustainability of the coffee supply chain

Coffee is one of the most important markets both in terms of value and numbers worldwide, a very long supply chain that goes from the grower to the final consumer, passing through many professional figures. When we talk about the sustainability of the coffee world, we are, therefore, talking about a value that should be shared by all the players in the supply chain to allow the coffee industry to survive and thrive in the future.

According to a 2018 study, in fact, the demand for coffee is set to double by 2050 due to the increase in coffee consumption in many countries where the coffee culture is slowly gaining ground. This, if combined with the fact that by 2050 it is expected that in countries such as India, Brazil, or Uganda production may drop by up to 60%, and in other countries such as Ethiopia and Colombia due to climate change does not foresee a bright future if they are not introduced. more sustainable changes in production.

The same study also highlights the differences in the distribution of the value of the coffee industry which leaves only 10% in producing countries at the expense of 90% distributed in consuming countries.

These are just two examples that should make anyone with decision-making skills in the world of coffee think and open their eyes to this topic and start studying these phenomena with a more careful eye.

The SCA Coffee Sustainability Program

The Specialty Coffee Association has recently launched a new training program dedicated to sustainability: the Coffee Sustainability Program to explore the concept of sustainability in its three fundamental pillars (social, economic, and environmental) and deepen the challenges involved in acting in a sustainable way along the coffee value chain.

The Coffee Sustainability Program develops like the modules of the Coffee Skills Program in three successive levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Professional at the end of which, after passing the test, an SCA Sustainability Certification is obtained.

Coffee sustainability courses in Espresso Academy

The topics covered are topics that are very close to our hearts and two of our trainers have already participated in courses of the Coffee Sustainability Program and obtained Foundation and Intermediate certifications, to transfer the knowledge acquired within all our training courses.

The Espresso Academy team is therefore already very ready to offer courses on sustainability in the world of coffee as soon as possible and, from January 2023, also the certifications of the Coffee Sustainability Program SCA in our school.

The Three Levels of the Coffee Sustainability Program SCA: Foundation, Intermediate and Professional

Let’s find out what we are talking about and what characterizes the three levels of the Coffee Sustainability Program SCA:

The Foundation level covers the main sustainability problems that the coffee industry faces today and offers a basic understanding of what the term “sustainability” means, and how it is connected to the dynamics of power, with historical and real notes. With this level, you acquire the knowledge to start making changes in your behavior regarding sustainability. A perfect and recommended course for anyone working in the world of coffee that takes place in eight hours. (also online)

The Intermediate level starts from the concepts introduced in the first level to develop each student’s ability to analyze and interpret a variety of sustainability projects in various parts of the supply chain. At this level, case studies and research on sustainability, projects, and business plans will be analyzed to develop a preliminary plan to carry out a sustainability initiative in their own context. This an ideal course for coffee professionals who wish to increase their knowledge about coffee sustainability and develop their critical thinking skills by developing their own sustainability projects. This course takes place in several groups and personal appointments with the trainer interspersed with periods of study and work at home.

The professional level offers a practical and intensive experience in which students design, implement and evaluate their own sustainability project based on their individual, organizational, or business goals and abilities. During the course, students will identify measures of responsibility, success, and progress on a sustainability issue of their choice, with sustainability policies and practices at multiple points in the value chain, guiding others in the discussion of these issues by supporting sustainable planning in the coffee industry.

This course is ideal for coffee professionals who wish to work on projects for the development and implementation of sustainability processes. It takes place over a period of several months with in-class sections (including online) to support students as they design their projects.