The organic industry in Canada is booming, with annual sales surpassing ten billion dollars and growing each year.[1]
Canadians are increasingly seeking organic options for their food and beverages, with more than half prioritizing organic choices when shopping or dining out.
Organic coffee is one of the key drivers in this trend with almost four in ten Canadian coffee drinkers actively searching for organic options[2], and more than half looking for coffee that is free from genetically engineered products (GMO).[3] To learn why serving organic coffee is important, keep reading as Canterbury’s beverage experts explain.
[1] Canadian Organic Trade Association 2023
[2] Canadian Organic Trade Association 2023
[3] Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends 2024 Data Tracking
Beyond the Bean
The Organic logo represents more than just a certification, it’s a pledge to sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. This commitment involves a holistic approach to preserving the planet by nurturing the soil, water, and air, while supporting growers, consumers, and wildlife within the organic ecosystem.
Organic coffee is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, it relies on organic inputs such as coffee pulp and compost. Organic coffee is grown in the shade of vibrant forests, which not only shelters wild plants and animals but also helps to maintain soil health and preserve regional ecosystems. These shaded farms are also more resilient to extreme weather conditions caused by climate change, making them a more reliable choice for farmers.
Stirring Up Facts
GMOs are prohibited in organic production. This means an organic coffee farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, and an organic manufacturer can’t use any GMO ingredients.
Organic coffee farmers and producer’s records must prove that they aren’t using GMO’s and that they are protecting their products from contact with these prohibited substances. These principles are verified annually by accredited, third party certification bodies.
Certified Organic
For coffee farmers, getting organic certification is both time consuming and expensive. The farm must go through a conversion process where they stop using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers before they can be certified.
The farm then must meet all organic standards for weed and pest management, note their fertilizer use, and when possible, use crop covers to maintain soil health.
If a farm is growing both organic and conventional coffee, a buffer zone must be in place to prevent contamination from synthetic chemicals.
During harvesting and processing, strict measures are followed to ensure the coffee remains organic certified. Pickers can’t use the same bags for both organic and conventional coffee. The equipment must be thoroughly cleaned between batches and any machines must be purged if they’re processing both organic and conventional coffee.
Once the coffee leaves the farm, the organic coffee gets transported to an organic certified facility before traveling to the roaster. To comply with Canada’s Organic Standards, Canterbury has dedicated roasting, grinding and packaging equipment for its certified organic coffee.
Growing Challenges
In addition to the challenge of obtaining the organic certification, coffee farmers face several other obstacles like pests and crop diseases. Since organic farmers avoid synthetic chemicals, they focus on prevention through methods like proper shading, effective drainage, and improving soil health to minimize pest and disease problems.
If an outbreak does occur, farmers must decide between risking their entire crop or using a chemical treatment that would compromise their organic certification.
The Price Tag
Organic coffee is sold at a higher price than conventional coffee to cover the costs of the certification. These costs are high because producing organic coffee involves more challenges and risks, and setting up a separate supply chain for organic products requires significant effort.
Given all the work involved at each step of the supply chain, it’s impressive that organic coffee only costs a few dollars per pound more than conventional coffee. If your business values sustainable agriculture, the environmental benefits of organic coffee may be worth it. Plus, offering organic coffee can give your cafe a market edge by serving a premium product.
Look for the Logo
Choosing organic coffee is straightforward, simply look for the Organic Canada logo. This certification signifies that the coffee contains at least 95% organic content and has undergone rigorous annual inspections to meet the Canadian government’s high standards.
Organic coffee is more than a passing trend—it’s a reflection of a growing consumer movement towards transparency and sustainability. More than 40% of Canadian coffee drinkers actively seek out the organic logo[4], while 55% are looking for coffee from farms practicing sustainable methods[5].
By serving organic coffee, you’re showing that your business aligns with these eco-conscious values, distinguishing itself from competitors and fostering customer loyalty. Embrace the organic movement and position your cafe as a leader in sustainability. Contact Canterbury’s team today to get started.
[4] Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends June 2023 Report
[5] Canadian Coffee Drinking Trends June 2023 Report