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Direct Trade vs. Fair Trade Coffee: Understanding the Differences and Making Ethical Choices
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Millions of people start their day with a cup of coffee, and the industry that produces it is a massive global enterprise. As coffee has grown in popularity, so has the interest in the ethical sourcing of coffee beans. Two of the most commonly discussed terms related to ethical coffee sourcing are direct trade and fair trade. While both of these concepts aim to improve the lives of coffee farmers and promote sustainability, they have different approaches and goals.
Direct Trade vs. Fair Trade Coffee: Understanding the Differences and Making Ethical Choices
Why Direct-Trade Coffee Has the Greatest Impact on Rural Honduran Communities
Direct-trade coffee is a business model that allows coffee roasters, retailers, and cafés to buy coffee directly from the farmer. You might think this would cost more, and you’d be right—direct trade coffees are often priced higher than their conventional counterparts. The reason for this is simple: direct trade coffees are all about quality. They’re grown at high elevations and processed with extreme care, using techniques like dry processing (wherein beans are dried in the sun rather than with heaters). These processes produce better tasting beans with superior flavors and aromas that make for an overall better cup of coffee when you brew your favorite roast or espresso blend with them!
Why Direct-Trade Coffee Has the Greatest Impact on Rural Honduran Communities
Farm to Table
Cultivated on the shaded hillsides of Honduras’ beautiful cloud forests comes a smooth yet robust coffee like you have never before experienced. With warm and inviting tones that transport you to another plane and delicious undertones of exquisite chocolate, Elevation coffee is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.
Dedicated Farmers
We work with local Honduran farmers who are passionate about their craft. These hard-working entrepreneurs are dedicated to growing and harvesting only the best coffee beans in the region and providing a sustainable source of revenue for their local communities.
CARING for People
We believe in the value of people and community. Each purchase of Elevation coffee means more money is directly reinvested into local, developing communities in Honduras.
ENVIRONMENTAL Responsibility
We use only all-natural fertilizers in the production of our coffee and never any chemicals or pesticides.
Mountain-Grown
Our coffee is grown in the highlands of western Honduras at elevations of 4,000 feet and above. This moderate climate allows our coffee to mature with premium flavor and roasted to delightful perfection.
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