Through research and investigation, we are ashamed to say
that we had put faith in companies that have been proven to not uphold the fair
trade within the coffee industry. This
is something that we want to be upfront about with all parties involved with
the company. We want for all of the
transactions and information about our coffee bean suppliers to be transparent
and accessible.
It is recognized that this may cost our company the faith of
our loyal customers, shareholders, and employees. We do not see or feel that it would be in the
best interest for the company to hide the fact that mistakes were made but to
assure that steps are being taken. The
company understands why the fair trade was set up in the first place. It is imperative that those that are putting
in the effort to produce these resources are treated fairly and justly. It is not the position of this company to
make things harder for them.
In the future, it will be necessary for all suppliers to be
verified and investigated prior to conducting business. We want to make sure that those that are
supplying the coffee beans are being contact by a representative from our
company so that we are able to assure that they have been taken care of. Although we are going to need to rely on
suppliers, we are going to make sure that the time and effort is put in so that
this situation is not repeated.
Fair trade allows everyone to be on a level playing
field. In the coffee trade, it is
important that it is those that are planting, caring for, and harvesting the
product are treated fairly. Without fair
compensation for their work, it will inevitably cause the breakdown of all
suppliers. It would cause a breakdown of
the industry to be able to have some of the best products available.
