What Does the Rainforest Alliance Certification Mean?

In 2024, Coffee People’s roastery received the Rainforest Alliance certification. This recognition is more than just a mark on our products—it’s a testament to our commitment to meeting the highest environmental, social, and economic standards throughout our operations. But what does this certification really mean, and how does it support sustainability?

The Rainforest Alliance is a global nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Its mission is to create harmony between nature and communities by fostering climate protection, biodiversity, and better living conditions for farmers and workers.

To earn Rainforest Alliance certification, farms and businesses must adhere to strict sustainability standards, regularly assessed through independent audits.

The Rainforest Alliance certification demonstrates that Coffee People values responsible production and consumption. Here are some key principles the certification supports:

1. Environmental Conservation: Our coffee is sourced from farms that respect biodiversity and conserve natural resources. These farms prevent soil erosion, protect water bodies, and avoid the overuse of harmful chemicals.

2. Social Justice: The certification ensures farmers and workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. This helps reduce poverty and supports local communities.

3. Climate Change Mitigation: Certified farms use sustainable methods that reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

4. Consumer Awareness: The Rainforest Alliance seal empowers customers to make informed choices, supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Colombia, Huila, Gigante – Our First RFA Certified Coffee

The first coffee in our lineup to carry the Rainforest Alliance certification comes from the Gigante estate in the Huila region of Colombia. Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s highlands, Huila is renowned for its exceptional coffee quality. Gigante estate’s fertile volcanic soils and optimal climate create ideal conditions for producing high-quality coffee beans.

The flavor profile of Colombia, Huila, Gigante coffee is as unique as the region it originates from. You’ll find a rich body with nutty notes, fruity sweetness, and a port-like acidity. The farmers in the Gigante region work tirelessly to bring you the best coffee, with the certification ensuring their practices are environmentally friendly and community-focused.

The Rainforest Alliance certification aligns perfectly with our company’s values. At Coffee People, we believe every cup of coffee tells a story—a story of the people who grow it and the landscapes it comes from. This certification assures us that our coffee’s story is both ethical and environmentally conscious.

We also prioritize building long-term relationships with farms that share our commitment to responsible coffee production. This ensures our actions align with the well-being of both nature and people.

The Rainforest Alliance certification is just the beginning. At our roastery, we continuously seek ways to make our operations even more environmentally and socially responsible. Certified Gigante coffee is one step on this journey, but it won’t be the last. To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, visit their official website: www.rainforest-alliance.org.

Thank you for being part of our journey! Together, we can make the coffee world better—one cup at a time.