We are committed to more responsible sourcing practices that benefit both people and the planet. Since 2003,our partnership with the Rainforest Alliance has been an important part of our sourcing efforts. In 2012, we made history by becoming the first coffeehouse in the U.S. to source all our coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. This certification mandates that farmers employ more sustainable land management practices, protect critical forest lands and biodiversity, and uphold human rights with a commitment to continuous improvement and regular audits. These requirements ensure our coffee not only tastes good, but also does good by supporting the ecosystems and communities where our coffee is grown.
Our partnership with the Rainforest Alliance also helps mitigate the environmental impacts associated with coffee production, particularly with respect to Scope 3 GHG emissions. For instance, the Rainforest Alliance Certification prohibits deforestation, which means certified farms are often surrounded by mature trees and vegetation, likely having a lower carbon impact as compared to farms on recently deforested land.
Sourcing Sustainable Excellence
Located on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, Aquiares is the country’s largest coffee estate and a pioneer in regenerative agriculture. Since 1890, Aquiares has seamlessly blended traditional cultivation with innovative sustainability practices, becoming the first coffee farm in Costa Rica to achieve carbon neutrality. Caribou is proud to source from Aquiares and support its vibrant coffee community. Their commitment to quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship—certified by the Rainforest Alliance—aligns perfectly with our values, ensuring our coffee delivers in both superior taste and meaningful impact.
Assuring coffee quality and knowledge
After receiving unroasted coffee samples from partners at origin, our coffee is roasted and brewed in small batches to our exacting standards. Each sample is evaluated against taste criteria specific to different regions so that every sip meets our high standards. The coffee is evaluated again upon reaching our warehouse. In addition to essential quality checks, we also deepen our team’s understanding of our coffee and refine their ability to identify origins, tasting notes, and descriptors during daily “coffee talks.” These talks arm our team members with the specialized knowledge they need to bring our coffee’s story to life for guests.
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