Let's explore the world of Direct Trade coffee, a method that we at Fancy Beans proudly embrace. But what exactly does "Direct Trade" mean and how does it differ from other labels such as " Fair Trade ", which also strives for a better coffee world and a fair price for coffee farmers?
The Fair Trade system, while well-intentioned, can sometimes be challenging for coffee farmers. One of the main obstacles is that farmers have to pay to become certified. These costs can be significant and are often a barrier, especially for smaller farmers who may not have the financial resources to meet these costs.
In addition, Fair Trade standards and procedures are often complex and time-consuming. Farmers must meet a series of strict criteria in terms of working conditions, environmental impact and business practices. While these standards are designed to promote sustainability and fair trade, they can be difficult for some farmers to meet.
Unlike Fair Trade, Direct Trade does not require formal certification or fees. Instead, it is based on direct, personal relationships between farmers and roasters. This means that farmers who work with Direct Trade partners can benefit from fair prices and sustainable practices without the burden of certification costs and complex procedures.
Based in Enschede and founded on May 31, 2023, Fancy Beans is committed to Direct Trade coffee, adding a new dimension of quality and sustainability to the Dutch coffee market.
Our unique Premium Blend " El Patrón " is a perfect example of our commitment to Direct Trade. We deliberately choose green beans of two specific types, supplied by This Side Up, a champion of Direct Trade. The first bean is the 'Café Rosaflorida - Meko Gutierrez single farmer lot - washed caturra' from Colombia. This bean, characterized by its refined taste, is the result of the sustainable and ethical farming practices of farmer Meko Gutierrez. €6.50 is paid directly to coffee farmer Meko for this unroasted green coffee bean, which is about 50% more than if it were sold on the open market. The rest goes to transport, taxes, packaging material, roasting the coffee beans and other operating costs.
The second bean in our premium blend is the 'Brazil Capricornio - São Jerônimo da Serra coop lot - honey' from Brazil. This bean, sourced from the São Jerônimo da Serra cooperative, is known for its sweet, honeyed flavor profile and is grown by a group of farmers committed to sustainability and quality. For this bean, €4.64 is paid directly to the farmer, which is 50% above the Fairtrade price.
The combination of these two carefully selected beans creates a unique blend that both reflects the Direct Trade ethic and offers an unparalleled taste experience.
Stefan Jacobs , founder of Fancy Beans, is proud of this meaningful step. "Our commitment to quality and sustainability is deep-rooted. With El Patrón, we demonstrate our commitment to the farmers who produce these fantastic beans while providing a superior coffee experience to our customers."
By choosing “Direct Trade” coffee and carefully selected beans for the El Patrón Premiumblend, Fancy Beans has positioned itself strongly in the premium coffee market. This is a clear choice for companies & consumers who appreciate fair and delicious coffee and at the same time want to contribute to a positive impact in the world. Fancy Beans is proud of this development and looks forward to continuing the journey towards more sustainable coffee beans .
If you want to know more about coffee from the Supermarket and the current coffee industry, watch the interesting video below in which Ersin Kiris and Eva Cleven of the "KRO de Prijsknaller" research the origin of cheap coffee and discover how many coffee farmers are still kept small by the powerful coffee industry.
