Coffee Certifications

The condition of sustainability has been increasingly valued, and it would be no different for the coffee market. Knowing the origin of the product and having the guarantee that throughout the whole production chain (from coffee production in the field to marketing) sustainable practices were promoted, respecting the environment and the well-being of the people involved in this whole process, is the ideal of conscious consumption. As a consequence of this awareness, the number of companies adopting efficient practices, with economic transparency and social and environmental responsibility, has been increasing.

With consumers aware of all the factors that involve a product, and Brazil being the world's largest coffee producer and exporter, it is essential for the coffee industry to be alert to market demands and be able to keep up with them. As a tool to meet the expectations of this market, coffee growers are seeking certifications and verifications, which through standardization ensure product quality, safety, and traceability. 

The role of QIMA/WQS in the coffee production chain

QIMA/WQS is in a privileged position and highly prepared to help your company, valuing and stimulating sustainable production and providing clarifications through training. Once the most appropriate standard is chosen, our team of auditors will verify if your company is following the sustainability criteria and, if so, will certify that your company meets all the protocols.   

Internationally recognized, QIMA/WQS offers audit, inspection, training and certification services aligned with sustainability and easily adjustable to your business model and strategy.

Certification and Verification Programs for the coffee market

Café 4C: Program that aims at the gradual improvement of the social, economic and environmental conditions of coffee production and processing. The program has three levels of compliance that allow for continuous improvement of certified producers.

C.A.F.E. Practices: A verification program developed by Starbucks in partnership with Conservation International, which evaluates farms and their processing and storage facilities according to criteria of economic and social responsibility, environmental leadership and product quality, always aiming for continuous improvement.

Rainforest Alliance: A certification program that aims to create a more sustainable world, through its Sustainable Agriculture Standards, with requirements for agriculture and supply chain. 

ABIC: Focused on the purity, quality and sustainability of coffee, good manufacturing practices are verified by a certifier accredited by ABIC, either in person or remotely. The requirements are evaluated with grades ranging from 1 to 5, and an average of 3 or higher is required for the certification to be granted. The requirements are based on the legislation in force, which encompass traceability, control conditions, and the hygiene of its processes and facilities. The quality of the product is evaluated through a sensorial analysis methodology.

Storage Units: Guarantee of food safety, that meets the quality standard and technical and mandatory requirements established by IN 29/2011. Certification is mandatory for all Storage Units that provide remunerated services for third parties or that deposit public stocks.

São Paulo Product Seal: Its purpose is to provide consumers with a differentiated quality coffee, conditioned to the compliance with environmental protection laws, to the appropriate use of soil and water, to public health protection and labor safety for the agricultural production or industrial processing in São Paulo. Instituted by Law # 10.481/1999.

Why Certify Your Coffee Operations?

For the producers:

• To provide better business management and open new markets with added value to the product.
• To increase performance in order to achieve good agricultural practices.
• To comply with the country's legislation.
• Position itself in a responsible and sustainable manner towards the environment (soil, water, gas emission control, and waste).
• To increase productivity gains.

For traders:

• Responsible sourcing.
• Compliance with applicable laws.
• Traceability of production.

For society:

• Producing coffee without compromising the ability of future generations.
• Worker well-being.
• To guarantee a reputation associated with transparency and sustainability, sending a message of quality to consumers and producers.

Why choose QIMA/WQS to certify your coffee production chain? 

• A team with over 30 years of experience in the food industry supply chain, ready to deliver end-to-end solutions to your business.   
• Specialized in the food industry, with a structure designed to facilitate and expedite the complex certification process and support you every step of the way.  
• QIMA/WQS counts with local experienced food auditors approved for multiple schemes specializing in all food safety quality areas.
• More than 9,000 satisfied clients at every stage of the food supply chain.