UTZ’s hazelnut program launched in 2014 and has more than tripled in size since then. Understanding the program starts with understanding the sustainability concerns facing the sector. As we enter our fifth harvest, Leonie Haakshorst, manager of the UTZ hazelnut program, discusses with us the industry’s main challenges.
Continue readingUTZ’s hazelnut program launched in 2014 and has more than tripled in size since then. Understanding the program starts with understanding the sustainability concerns facing the sector. As we enter our fifth harvest, Leonie Haakshorst, manager of the UTZ hazelnut program, discusses with us the industry’s main challenges.
Josep Novell is CEO of Cafés Novell, a Spanish coffee roaster renowned for innovation. In 2002 the company became Spain’s first UTZ certified brand. We sat down with Josep to chat about the transition and lessons learned. “It’s difficult to explain the topic, but we have an opportunity to differentiate ourselves here in Spain.”
The Western Ghats Sustainable Farming Consortium is a coffee smallholder group in India dedicated to preserving the unique biodiversity of their region. We speak with Thribuvan Sathvik, member of the consortium, about how certification has improved their practices and how it’s empowering farmers to get more for their products.
The 2017 UTZ Tea Statistics Report shows a healthy sector, with expanding reach and growing market interest. Check our infographic for the latest market insights and download the full report.
The 2017 UTZ Cocoa Statistics Report reflects a market increasingly geared towards sustainability. Check our infographic for the latest market insights and download the full report.
The 2017 UTZ Statistics Report on the UTZ coffee program reveals a buoyant sustainable coffee market driven by increasing commitments from European retailers. Check our infographic for the latest market insights and download the full report.
In the early 2000s, coffee was in crisis. Colombian coffee farmer Juan Pablo Echeverri knew market connections were key to his business success. So he joined the UTZ progam, and is still enjoying the benefits today. “Certification opens doors. It’s up to you whether to walk through them or not.”
Agung Widi, from Kalimajari, a civil society organization working with cocoa farmers and Kerta Semaya Samaniya cocoa cooperative in Jembrana, Indonesia, explains how certification helped them become one of the top 50 cocoa producers in the world.
A 2017 study on market potential for certified coffee in Belgium reveals that 3rd party certification could become the norm if large roasters would commit to sustainable sourcing. It also shows that certification schemes should collaborate to help change the perception of certification from a cost to an investment for companies.
Ria Stout, Chief Regional Officer of the new Rainforest Alliance, wrote UTZ’s first certification standard. She has dedicated her life to both organizations, which are now joining forces to amplify and accelerate sustainability transformation around the world. She sheds her light on the exciting journey.
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