Copia Methodology

Methodology

What and Why

The assessment aimed to gauge the level of maturity of each company regarding sustainability issues within the coffee supply chain. Companies were awarded higher scores if they demonstrated clear strategies encompassing various dimensions of sustainability, specific time-bound goals, investments, and activities integrated into their supply chains, as well as continuous monitoring and public reporting on their sustainability objectives.

In acknowledging this is our first attempt to score the performance of each company, we recognize that there is a bias towards a “more is better” approach in certain cases, which is a limitation of this preliminary work. For example, higher scores were assigned for more certified volume, increased engagement with MSIs, and a broader range of investments in specific thematic areas. We understand the shortcomings of this scoring methodology and intend to evolve over time to better evaluate the quality of investments and engagements. However, for now, the scoring system will serve as a proxy in these particular instances.

Scope and Focus

The categories selected are a reflection of the most pressing sustainability challenges in the coffee sector. Each component has been carefully unpacked and articulated with support of different thematic experts engaged with the Coffee Barometer initiative. We looked into 4 categories:

1) Sustainability Strategy
2) Social Conditions & Inclusion
3) Environment
4) Sustainable Purchasing & Economic Conditions

Company Engagement

Following the completion of the assessments, we shared the individual evaluations with the respective companies and extended an invitation for them to provide feedback. Acknowledging the valuable contribution made by companies in engaging with our assessment, we are grateful for the proactive involvement and comments provided by the majority of roasters. Regrettably, we must note that Kraft-Heinz is the only company that did not respond to our invitations to participate in the evaluation process

Data used

The assessment is based on publicly available data only. Focusing on latest available documentation, with a cut-off date of May 1st 2023 to consider reports or publications as part of this year’s assessment.

Download Full Methodology

If you want to learn more about the methodolgy, the list of indicators assessed and the scoring structure behind the results – check out the Coffee Benchmark Scoring Rubric