Sustainable Coffee Certification Grows 35% Globally as Consumers Prioritize Ethical Sourcing

Consumers’ growing focus on environmental and social responsibility is driving a boom in sustainable coffee. According to the Global Coffee Platform’s 2024 report, certified sustainable coffee now accounts for 28% of global coffee sales, up from 21% in 2023. Fair Trade certification, which guarantees farmers a minimum price and fair labor conditions, remains the most popular choice, followed by Rainforest Alliance (which emphasizes biodiversity and climate action) and Organic (pesticide-free production). Major retailers and coffee chains are responding to the trend: Dunkin’ recently announced that 50% of its coffee beans will be certified sustainable by 2026, while independent cafes are increasingly partnering with small-scale, ethical farms. The growth benefits both producers and the planet—certified farms often adopt water-saving practices, reduce deforestation, and invest in community development. However, challenges remain, including higher certification costs for small farmers and the need for greater transparency in supply chains. Industry leaders are calling for more collaborative efforts to make sustainable coffee accessible to all stakeholders.