How We Do Fair Trade

Cultivate Direct Relationships with Grower Groups
It’s all about connection. All the coffee we import has a known face and story. Likewise to the farmer, all the coffee they sell goes to a known place and story. We believe that there is something to be said about making a personal connection with the people we do business with. In this spirit we travel to countries of origin to show our commitment to the coop. This gives us the opportunity to have a dialogue and discuss each others needs, and allows for the development of a long-term trusting relationship. As our partnerships become friendships, grower groups know we will return year after year even when the rains have been less fruitful to the growing season.

Import Our Own Coffee as Cooperative Coffees Member/Owners

We are part of a cooperative of independent roasters committed to Fair Trade as a long-term partnership between farmers and roasters. Paying a fair price is just the beginning of this relationship. Our trade model includes pre-financing, sharing information, and working together for higher quality coffee. Cutting more people out of the middle also shows our interest in getting more money back to the farmer and gives them direct access to market information.

Set the Industry Standard for Transparency

Transparency makes fairness possible because it makes hiding the truth impossible. Throughout the chain of transactions from farm to cup, Desert Sun keeps record of all the documents along the way. This unprecedented method of record keeping recognizes all individuals that played a role in the supply chain. We believe this takes Fair Trade to the next level. To view these documents visit www.fairtradeproof.org

Travel to Origin to Negotiate Contracts

Instead of using a set minimum price for our coffee, we involve our trading partners to determine a price. To start the conversation we ask: How much do you need us to pay you, per pound, so that this works for you. While we cannot always meet the price – this is a two way conversation. Our contracts exceed fair trade standard pricing formulas and are based on our trading partner’s actual costs of doing business, their cost of living, and more subjective financial needs.

Only Purchase Fair Trade Certified Coffees

Fair Trade is not something we do, it’s all we do. 100% of the time! We didn’t add fair trade coffee to our offering because it’s popular. We sell only fair trade and organic coffee as a business practice and philosophy, because we believe in it.