How the coffee industry led the shift in sustainable practices in the F&B industry

How the coffee industry led the shift in sustainable practices in the F&B industry

Sustainability is far more than merely a buzzword in the coffee industry—it’s a commitment. In recent years, there has been a notable and necessary push toward more environmentally minded practices in the food and beverage industry, and the global coffee sector has been at the forefront of the transition.

From crop to cup, coffee makers around the world have been working hard to ensure protecting the planet is a top priority. Likewise, more than ever, people care about how green their coffee beans are. Beyond focusing only on the flavour profile of their morning brew, consumers care more about whether their coffee is ethically and sustainably sourced.

While there is undoubtedly a long way to go in our collective effort to achieve a healthy planet, leaders in the coffee space—including us at Balzac’s—are deeply dedicated to the cause. Here’s how:

Coffee and the environment

The coffee industry has a complicated relationship with the environment. As coffee has grown in popularity, so, too, has the industry’s environmental footprint. It’s important to understand that not all coffee plants are grown equally. There are two main methods for harvesting coffee beans, one of which is environmentally sustainable, and the other is not.

Shade-grown coffee is the superior method, while sun-grown is more environmentally taxing, as it depletes nutrients from the soil, requires an enormous amount of water for growth, and it leads to deforestation. That being said, sun-grown coffee yields more beans, which is why it’s a more lucrative method, and still a popular option amongst farmers. Meanwhile, shade-grown plants actually reduce soil erosion and bolster soil quality, and they also are more resilient against pests. Generally, shade-grown plants have a longer lifespan, too. Fortunately, more and more coffee farmers are transitioning to the shade-grown method for environmental reasons.

Certain coffee-producing practices can be hard on the planet, and likewise, climate change is having a dire impact on the coffee industry. Ramifications of global warming—including volatile weather, droughts, and flooding—make the jobs of coffee farmers increasingly difficult. As climate change worsens, crop quality is directly impacted. That’s why it’s more important than ever for coffee makers to keep sustainability top of mind.

Given the symbiotic relationship between coffee and the environment, it’s essential that coffee makers around the globe prioritize sustainable production methods. While it might be more expensive and tedious, looking after the planet will yield better quality coffee in the long run.

Sustainability at Balzac’s

While every coffee company has taken its own unique approach to sustainability, Balzac’s has made a conscious effort to consider the environment in all aspects of what we do—from bean sourcing and production, to brewing and serving. We have proudly overhauled a number of our practices in order to be more environmentally focused, and we have also launched several sustainability initiatives to help us decrease our carbon footprint as a company—and set a positive example for other businesses in the coffee landscape, as well as our loyal customers.

For one, we source organic Fairtrade Canada certified beans, meaning our coffee has met all fair trade standards, which support producers and environmentally friendly farming practices. In addition to offering best-in-class beans, we also carry organic and locally-made juices and cider, and our cocoa and sugar is Fairtrade certified, too. Plus, we sell compostable pods (which aren’t always easy to come by) and our cafés offer biodegradable straws as well as cups and lids composed of renewable resources. When we say “from crop to cup,” we really mean it.

As a business, we try to be as energy-efficient as possible, using eco-friendly roasters, tools and appliances, both in our production processes and at our storefronts. Given our commitment to protecting the planet in all aspects of our work, we are thrilled to be the first coffee company in Canada to become LEAF (Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice) certified.

Earth Day

While Earth Day serves as an important reminder to be grateful for the environment and look after it, it’s critical to prioritize the planet in our daily lives. Set environmental goals for yourself, and stay accountable. While combating climate change is unquestionably a daunting task, it can be accomplished if we all get on board.

One of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by engaging with brands and businesses that align with your environmental goals. Together, we must take sustainability seriously.?