The Future of Coffee Certifications

Certifications have been a cornerstone of the coffee trade at a global level for decades. They have been crucial tools in spreading awareness about the need for an ethical and sustainable production of coffee, among consumers throughout the world. And yet, coffee certifications are now passing through one of the most delicate and challenging periods they have ever faced, due to a combination of economic, regulatory and even social factors – particularly the current high prices, the launch of the EUDR and a changing consumer interest in certified coffee. Indeed, the present challenges come after a few years in which markets, consumption and production have been changing, with a deep impact on certifications. For several schemes, these new developments could be a wake-up call to deliver changes necessary to finally expand their reach in some cases, or to avoid disappearing in others. A significant involvement in EUDR compliance, a better understanding of current consumer interest and a greater focus on supporting farmers could all be key elements for designing a new, expanded role for certifications in the coffee sector.

Produced in the framework of the project “The EUDR and the future of coffee certifications”.