What Is Fair Trade Coffee and Why It Matters: A Coffee Lover’s Guide
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At 787 Coffee, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a passion that’s been brewed into our DNA since 2014. As a Puerto Rican coffee company, we’ve always taken pride in our roots—starting as coffee farmers at Hacienda Iluminada in Puerto Rico. We believe that coffee should be more than just a cup of warmth; it should have a story that connects humans, land, and the hands that cultivate it.
What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair trade coffee isn’t just about good vibes—it’s about real, tangible benefits for the farmers who grow it. Fair trade is a certification system that ensures farmers receive a fair price for their coffee beans. This price helps them cover the cost of sustainable farming practices, while also providing better wages and working conditions for the people behind your morning cup.
When you choose fair trade coffee, you’re supporting a system that promotes economic stability, social justice, and environmental responsibility. Fair trade helps to break the cycle of poverty for coffee-growing communities, providing a sustainable future for them while ensuring that quality coffee gets into your cup.
The Benefits of Drinking Fair Trade Coffee
When you sip on fair trade coffee, you’re drinking more than just a rich, flavorful brew. You’re drinking to a better world:
Better Pay for Farmers: Fair trade ensures farmers receive a premium for their beans, allowing them to invest in their farms, improve their communities, and lead a better life.
Sustainable Practices: Fair trade coffee is grown using environmentally friendly methods that help protect biodiversity, conserve water, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
Stronger Communities: Fair trade doesn’t just benefit individual farmers—it helps build healthier, stronger communities by funding local projects like schools, healthcare, and clean water initiatives.
Why Does Fair Trade Matter?
Fair trade matters because it creates a direct connection between the consumer and the farmer. By paying fair wages and supporting sustainable farming practices, we help reduce the environmental impact and improve the lives of coffee farmers. The coffee industry is massive, and often, the people who grow it don’t get the recognition or compensation they deserve. Fair trade gives farmers the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.
At 787 Coffee, we care deeply about the impact our coffee has on the beautiful humans who grow it, and that's why we focus on both direct trade and fair trade practices. For coffee beans sourced from countries like Colombia and Mexico, we go the extra mile to ensure they meet fair trade standards. This guarantees we are supporting coffee farmers who share our commitment to high-quality, sustainable practices. We pay attention to every step of the process, from farm to cup. Specialty coffee. A FROM FARM TO CUP COFFEE EXPERIENCE.
Why Doesn’t Puerto Rico Apply to Fair Trade?
Puerto Rico is a unique case in the world of coffee. As part of the United States, the coffee we grow at Hacienda Iluminada or buy from our neighboring farms doesn’t fall under traditional fair trade certification. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t care about the humans who grow our coffee. At 787 Coffee, we take the same approach to the coffee we source locally as we do with international coffee. We invest in long-term, fair relationships with our coffee partners, ensuring they are compensated well and treated with respect.
Our co-workers, the farmers at Hacienda Iluminada, home of 787 coffee, are amongst the best paid coffee farmers in the world.
From Farm to Cup: Our Commitment to Fair Trade
As a Puerto Rican coffee company, we take great pride in our farm-to-cup approach. Our coffee journey starts at Hacienda Iluminada, where we grow and harvest coffee with love and care. But the story doesn’t end there. We also source beans from our neighboring farms, ensuring that every cup of 787 Coffee you drink supports local farmers who share our values.
When it comes to sourcing coffee from regions like Mexico and Colombia, we make sure our partners are paid fairly and can continue to grow their business sustainably. This is what sets us apart—we don’t just serve great coffee; we serve coffee that makes a difference.
We have grown, with passion, love for what we do and to keep our promise to Maricao ALIVE - de Maricao para el mundo - we started as coffee farmers in 2014, in 2016 we became coffee roasters and in 2017 we opened our first coffee shop, a coffee shop we had to close because of hurricane maria.
In 2025 we are growing, and in order for us to expand we have added Mexico and Colombia to our coffee origins. We love what we do, we love growing coffee, we love roasting coffee, we love making YOU coffee at 787 coffee shops.
Looking for the best coffee to buy online or the best coffee shop experience?
At 787 Coffee, we're more than just a cafe. Discover why we're celebrated as one of the best coffee shops in New York City and the best coffee shop in El Paso, Texas. Our dedication to sourcing the best coffee beans shines through in every cup, with our coffee farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico. Experience the rich flavors and sustainable practices that make our coffee exceptional. When you choose 787 Coffee, you're not just getting incredible coffee online; you're supporting ethical farming and a vibrant community.
Planning a trip? Don't miss Hacienda Iluminada in Puerto Rico, a beautiful place to reconnect with nature.
Why 787 Coffee? Because we bring you the best from our farm to your cup, with a commitment to quality and community you can taste.
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Latino owned coffee shops.
This project started as a coffee farm, we are farmers before we are baristas. In 2014 we bought a coffee farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico.
Started by 2 humans, a Puerto Rican a Mexican, now we have over 14 nationalities working and representing a proudly Puerto Rican coffee company: 787 Coffee and Hacienda Iluminada.
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Discover your perfect roast today! Shop our online store for fresh farm-to-cup coffee or visit our coffee shops in Puerto Rico, New York, and Texas. Experience the freshness of 787 Coffee.
Fair Trade Coffee: Your Questions Answered
What exactly is fair trade coffee? Fair trade coffee is coffee that's been certified to ensure farmers in developing countries receive a fair price for their beans, enabling them to invest in their farms, families, and communities. It goes beyond just the market price.
Why should I choose fair trade coffee? Choosing fair trade coffee directly supports the livelihoods of coffee farmers and promotes sustainable farming practices. It helps ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental protection in coffee-growing regions. Plus, many believe it leads to higher quality beans as farmers are better resourced.
How can I identify fair trade coffee? Look for the official fair trade certification logos on coffee packaging. These logos indicate that the coffee has met the rigorous standards set by fair trade organizations.
Is fair trade coffee more expensive? While fair trade coffee might sometimes have a slightly higher price point, the extra cost goes towards ensuring a better deal for farmers. Think of it as an investment in a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.
Does fair trade coffee taste different? The fair trade certification itself doesn't guarantee a specific taste profile. However, the improved conditions and resources for farmers can often lead to higher quality beans and, ultimately, a more flavorful cup of coffee.
What are the environmental benefits of fair trade coffee? Fair trade standards often encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, reduced pesticide use, and biodiversity conservation.
Who benefits from fair trade coffee? Primarily, the coffee farmers and their communities benefit through fairer prices, improved living conditions, and greater empowerment. Consumers also benefit by knowing their purchase makes a positive impact and often by enjoying higher quality coffee.
Are there different fair trade certifications? Yes, there are various fair trade certification organizations around the world, each with its own specific standards and logos. The most widely recognized in many regions is the Fairtrade International certification.
Where can I buy fair trade coffee? You can find fair trade certified coffee at many grocery stores, specialty coffee shops (like us! #787coffee), and online retailers. Just keep an eye out for those certification logos.
By choosing fair trade coffee, am I really making a difference? Absolutely! Your purchase directly contributes to a more just and sustainable coffee industry, empowering farmers and fostering positive change in their communities. Every cup counts!