Sara Lee Debuts Sustainably Grown Coffee in the U.S.

Sara Lee is the third largest coffee roaster in the world.  Wow. I did not know that. I also did not know that for years the company has been selling sustainably grown coffee everywhere but here. No wonder nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee!

Good news! The company plans to debut it’s  UTZ Certified, Good Origin brand coffee in the United States.  The coffees are packaged in cartons made of 100% post consumer recycled materials.

The coffees will be wholesaled to restaurants and convienience stores and the like, and will be available in the following types:

Premium-

•  Moyobamba Peru
• Terrenos Gemelos
• Copita Madura Decaf

And the Gourmet label will carry-

•  Pluma de Oaxaca
• Tres Joyas
• Copa Oscura Decaf

UTZ CERTIFIED Good Inside’s worldwide certification program sets the standard for responsible coffee production and distribution. It offers a market-based business model, supply chain transparency and credible program requirements that address economic viability, social responsibility and environmental protections.

Is UTZ like Fair Trade? Somewhat.  But Fair Trade certification has come under some negative commentary lately.  This is what I found about  UTZ Certification:

Since 2002, UTZ CERTIFIED has set the standard for coffee growing and distribution with care for both the local community and the environment. UTZ CERTIFIED cooperatives, estate farms and producer groups comply with the UTZ Code of Conduct and are inspected annually by independent, third-party auditors. As an independent, international, non-profit organization, UTZ CERTIFIED Good Inside standards help coffee farmers, cooperatives and producer groups show their buyers that their coffee is produced professionally, with socially and environmentally appropriate growing practices and efficient farm management. In addition, it provides roasters and brands a tool to incorporate and demonstrate responsible sourcing practices for their coffee portfolio. UTZ CERTIFIED Good Inside is expanding into other commodities, such as cocoa and tea, to become the leading certification and traceability program for these commodities.

You can copy the source code printed on the front of the coffee bag, punch it in to Good Origin and trace the cup of coffee back to the farm.  How cool is THAT?

Image:Morguefile