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Over half of coffee operators would pay more for sustainable suppliers

13th Jan 2020 - 07:00
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Abstract
Over half of coffee operating businesses (56%) would pay more for a supplier if they offered a measurable impact on sustainability efforts, new research reveals.

Independent research by BRITA Professional found 97% of those surveyed believed that sustainability credentials are important to their customers (the research involved 500 coffee professionals). 

Survey results 

When people were asked about the top priorities for their business, customer satisfaction was the most important (70%) and in second place was sustainability. 

Speaking about the research results Sarah Taylor, managing director of BRITA UK, said: “Sustainability in the coffee sector isn’t a new concept, the industry as a whole is dedicated to creating a sustainable supply chain – from the beans right through to the coffee served. 

“What is new is the significant shift in consumer expectations and awareness of the climate crisis. Once viewed as a ‘nice to have’, putting the environment before profit is now expected and this goes beyond the likes of recycling packaging and removing single-use plastic straws. 

“For suppliers in the coffee industry, continually improving on sustainable practices to pass the benefits down the supply chain to operators and meet consumer demand is an ongoing challenge. Our new toolkit provides practical solutions and advice on how to balance sustainability challenges with other business priorities, as well as the potential gains that can be made from making the right sustainable choices.”

Barriers to sustainability 

In recent years the issue of sustainability has come to the forefront of the coffee industry but recent research suggests the industry is still facing barriers to ‘going green’. 

Almost half of coffee operators said their equipment is letting them down by not standing the test of time. Cost is also an issue to ‘going green’ according to 64% of people surveyed. A lack of knowledge is a barrier to sustainability for 47% of coffee operators. 

The research found that coffee operators wanted suppliers to focus on reducing packaging (79%), sourcing sustainable food (52%) and improving machines (51%).  

Single-use plastic 

Eight in ten coffee operators say they have already introduced incentives to reduce the use of single-use plastic coffee cups. However only one third have installed filtered water dispensers to replace bottled water. 

From the people surveyed 44% believed working with a sustainable supplier was a ‘top priority’. And 23% thought emphasis should be place on disposal of tea and coffee grounds. 

 

Written by
Edward Waddell