Return to Origin initiative forms part of our vision of sustainable development and equity. It is a way to reinforce the specialty coffee value chain from the start, by giving back to the producers from whom we buy coffee; it is our way of making a small difference, of contributing on a small scale to their empowerment.

Moreover, the project reflects our rejection of the unfairness that remains in the coffee industry and our refusal to stay inactive in front of such an unequal global structure, from which we have been profiting at the expense of producers for decades. We are not claiming on changing the world with this project, but rather showing producers that we respect their work, that we care and recognize the growing inequalities and the challenges threatening their livelihood. We are demonstrating that we are not staying arms crossed, waiting for a change to happen. We are acting to be part of the solution, to be the change. We also hope that our colleagues will take concrete actions and refuse the statu quo.

With climate change and the pandemic impacting producers in so many ways, added to the rising costs of production, we think that it is by giving back directly to the producers that we can think of a sustainable future for coffee.

That said, for every bag of coffee sold, identified with the project’s seal, 0,50$ will be given back directly to the producers, without any intermediary benefiting from it. That money could be reinvested in their company, help pay off some depts, or be used as they wish. In some cases, the donation could be directed towards special initiatives put forward by producers.