If you’re passionate about ethical and sustainable coffee, you’ve probably come across the question: “Is your coffee Fairtrade?” At Snakebite Coffee Co the answer is no, but that’s actually a positive.

While Fairtrade certification might seem like the gold standard for ethical sourcing, it often falls short in truly supporting coffee farmers in the developing world. Here's why.

The Fairtrade Label: More Harm Than Good?

Fairtrade was created with good intentions, but in practice, it often limits farmers' potential for growth and profits. One major issue is that Fairtrade sets a fixed minimum price for coffee, regardless of quality. This price is often too low to cover the actual costs of farming, especially when taking inflation and rising production costs into account. As a result, many farmers remain trapped in a cycle of poverty despite being Fairtrade certified.

Moreover, Fairtrade certification comes with fees, which smallholder farmers often cannot afford. This system tends to favour larger farms and cooperatives, leaving smaller, family-run farms, the heart of the coffee industry, at a disadvantage. Essentially, Fairtrade’s structure can push out those it claims to help.

The Lack of Incentives for Quality

Another significant drawback of Fairtrade coffee is the lack of incentive to improve quality. Since the minimum price is fixed, farmers are less motivated to produce higher-grade coffee, knowing they will get paid the same regardless. This not only affects the livelihoods of farmers but also undermines the potential for innovation in farming practices and the development of better-tasting coffee.

What’s the Alternative?

At Snakebite Coffee Co., we believe in going beyond Fairtrade. We directly source our beans through Direct Trade partnerships, ensuring the farmers receive a higher price for their coffee, often well above the Fairtrade minimum. This approach is more personalised, focusing on both quality and sustainability, and ensures that farmers are fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication.

By building transparent relationships with farmers, we ensure that every pound we pay goes directly to them without being diluted by middlemen or certification fees. This not only allows them to earn more, but it also encourages the production of exceptional quality coffee that benefits both producers and consumers.

Ethical Sourcing at Snakebite Coffee Co.

So, when someone asks, "Is your coffee Fairtrade?" the answer may be no, but we’re proud of that. At Snakebite Coffee Co we focus on sourcing coffee that uplifts the farmers who grow it, empowering them through direct relationships, fair pricing, and sustainable practices. Our goal is to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of coffee farmers, something that goes beyond what a simple certification can achieve.

The Importance of Transparency

Transparency is key to ethical coffee sourcing, and at Snakebite, we invite our customers to learn about where their coffee comes from and the people who grow it. Every cup you enjoy from us represents a commitment to sustainability, fairness, and exceptional quality, not just for the environment, but for the hardworking farmers as well.