The International Coffee Council (ICO) is an alliance of representatives from Member Governments that meets twice annually to discuss issues pertaining to world coffee trade. Decisions at this Council are reached through consensus voting, ensuring that a wide variety of voices and perspectives are heard and taken into account when making decisions. Furthermore, it fosters greater market transparency through highly regarded statistical services, in-depth economic analyses and regular market reports on coffee.

At its inaugural Coffee Impact Advisory Board (CIAB) meeting, the International Coffee Organization will convene industry leaders from both producing and consuming countries to form an inclusive global Coffee Impact Advisory Board. Rudiger Meyer, founder and former CEO of FLOCERT will serve as inaugural chair. Other members include Lindsey Bolger of Keurig Trading; Carlos Vargas General Manager at CoopeTarrazu in Colombia (the largest Fair Trade certified cooperative); Guido Fernandez EVP from 787 Coffee in San Francisco; as well as Guido Fernandez EVP from 787 Coffee roaster/specialty retailer 787 Coffee in San Francisco).

Every year, the C-market price – globally traded coffee on New York futures market – fluctuates up and down according to supply, demand, and other factors. Unfortunately, market volatility often impacts producers who do not have access to means or resources to mitigate risk. Fairtrade certification provides farmers with a protection net; even when C-market price dips unsustainably low they still receive minimum price plus an investment premium to invest in the future of their businesses and communities.

Coffee Sustainability Support Database (CSSD): As our latest tool in our suite of tools to advance a more equitable coffee sector, the CSSD connects projects from across the world in order to promote collaboration and strategic alignment. It was developed through team effort that collected key areas for action, identified opportunities to address any obstacles that arose, and devised strategies on how to move forward together.

Country Differentials:

Cost differences when buying and selling coffee vary considerably due to factors like weather, currency fluctuations, over/under supply conditions and political or security events. All stakeholders within a supply circle need to remain aware of such events so as to adapt their purchasing strategies appropriately. We are delighted to share a new resource that illustrates these varying cost structures for importing, transporting and delivering coffees around the globe.