Trade & Ethics

Rainforest Alliance

Rainforest Alliance is a globally recognized certification that you will most likely spot by its signature little green frog logo on the coffee bag. It indicates that the farm growing the crop must meet specific environmental and social standards, such as protecting local forests, clean water sources, and ensuring fair living conditions for workers. In the specialty coffee community, we respect these guidelines, but we rarely rely solely on this seal when sourcing the best beans. Many small-scale farmers working with independent coffee roasteries care for their land in even more sustainable ways, they just cannot afford to pay for the expensive official audit. Seeing the frog is a positive sign for the planet, but much like other large-scale certifications, it does not guarantee an exceptional tasting experience in your cup.

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Edu Corner in the Specialty Atlas app has the whole glossary, with terms linked to the coffees and brewing methods you actually use.

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