Editorial
Transparency Through the Collective
Have you ever thought about the journey behind your cup of coffee? The countless hands, unique skills, and rich stories that bring it to life? At Coffee Collective, this journey is what drives us. Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a collective effort. It’s about collaboration, connection, and being part of something bigger.
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Coffee is so much more than a drink; it’s a collective effort. From the farmers who nurture coffee trees to the roasters, baristas, and everyone in between, every cup holds a shared story. Yet, too often, the coffee supply chain hides these stories, leaving the people behind the coffee unseen.
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At Coffee Collective, we believe every part of our business should contribute to changing that. Whether it’s through our coffee bars, wholesale partnerships, courses, events, or sustainability projects, everything we do is grounded in the same values: fairness, transparency, and quality. We want every corner of our company to help make coffee better—for those who drink it and for those who grow it.
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Since signing the Transparency Pledge in 2019, we’ve been committed to sharing the full picture of the coffee we buy—how much, at what price, and, most importantly, from whom. Transparency is how we shine a light on the people behind the coffee and inspire positive change throughout the industry.
Coffee Collective CEO, Rebecca Vang
What is Quality Bonus?
A key element of our transparency work is the Quality Bonus, which represents the amount we pay above the market price for exceptional coffee. This bonus reflects the superior quality of the coffee and the dedication of the farmers who produce it. For instance, the Kenyan coffee from Gichathaini on our menu right now was purchased at 179% above the market price.
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Since 2013, we’ve displayed the Quality Bonus and the FOB (Free on Board) price directly on our coffee bags. This isn’t just a number—it’s a conversation starter. By engaging consumers in discussions about transparency, we hope to highlight the importance of rewarding quality and ensure that farmers receive a fair return for their hard work.
This Year’s Transparency Report
In this year’s Transparency Report, we once again include our Transparency Table, detailing the coffees we purchased: the quantity, price paid, and the amount that reached the farmer. Alongside this, we showcase the Quality Bonus paid to farmers and producers over the years, a testament to our commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods.
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We invite you to explore the stories, initiatives, and numbers that define our journey. Together, we can make coffee better—collectively.