CONCORD, N.C. — S&D Coffee & Tea has launched a new line of sustainably sourced coffees as a part of its Raiz Sustainability sourcing platform. These products are the first 100% sustainably sourced coffees to be produced and branded with both S&D Coffee & Tea and Raiz branding, the company said.
According to Conservation International, 150% more coffee is needed by 2050 in order to meet future demand. Raiz Sustainability is S&D’s direct response to this looming crisis, the company said. S&D is committed to building a more sustainable supply chain while improving resources and quality of life for coffee farmers, it said.
Raiz Reserve coffees are exclusively available as seasonal offerings, guaranteeing peak freshness and quality, because each coffee is harvested by farmers during the ideal season for each particular region, according to S&D. The new varietals include a crisp, medium/light roast with hints of honey from Central America, debuting this month, and a bright, citric and sweet medium roast from South America, which will be introduced in September 2019 and remain available through the end of the year. These new launches follow the recently released robust Brazilian dark roast.
“We are very proud to be launching our first line of exclusively sustainably sourced coffees from the family of Raiz farmers in three origins,” said Olga Cuellar-Gomez, head of S&D sustainability efforts. “This launch is a testament to the power and potential of the Raiz Sustainability platform, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with more 100% sustainably sourced coffee offerings in the years to come.”
Implemented in 2015, the Raiz Sustainability platform is improving the lives of small-scale coffee growers while ensuring S&D meets its own ambitious sustainability goals, the company said. The inclusive approach provides small-holder farmers, who may not otherwise qualify for certifications, with immediate access to training and technical assistance to help adopt best practices in agriculture and business management. Since its inception, the program has made a measurable impact in regions where it has been activated. Through comprehensive data collection, S&D continues to optimize and expand the program.
Concord, N.C.-based S&D Coffee & Tea, a subsidiary of Cott Corp., is the largest coffee and tea manufacturer and supplier to restaurants and convenience stores in America.
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