Tweet
McDonald’s is to become the UK’s first fast-food chain to serve up ethically sourced coffee in a deal worth £50m.
The chain plans to purchase all its coffee from farms approved by the Rainforest Alliance. The Alliance, an independent watchdog, enables farmers who use sustainable processes to earn an average of 25 cents more per 1lb of coffee.
Colombian coffee growers who belong to the Rainforest Alliance saw their income double to $1.6m (£0.82m) in 2006, and similar growth is expected in 2007.
Steve Easterbrook, president of McDonald’s UK, said the deal would “transform the market for sustainably grown coffee in the UK.”
McDonald’s outlets across Europe are set to follow the move, which joins previous incentives such as sourcing fish from sustainable fisheries and using free-range eggs.
Big Mac come back >>
Fast-food customers opt for healthier options >>
McDonald’s to reduce transfats >>
Fast-food companies need to try harder on health >>
By Alex Blakelock
E-mail your comments to Alex Blakelock here.
Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.
For more articles about how to be sustainable visit Caterer and Hotelkeeper’s Guide to Sustainability
Latest waste management articles
Read more about waste management
Latest recycling related articles
Read more about recycling
Latest community related articles
Read more community related articles
Latest energyrelated articles
Read our latest articles on energy
Latest water management articles
Read our latest water management articles
Latest Food sourcing articles
Read more about sustainable sourcing
31 Oct 2011
08 Jun 2011
21 May 2009