“WE PROMOTE ETHICAL CONSUMPTION BY MARKING THE 4C CERTIFICATION LOGO ON OUR PRODUCTS. In the autumn of 2020, for the first time in the Asian market, we at Ajinomoto AGF introduced the marking of the 4C certification logo into the packaging for some of our flagship stick coffee products. 4C program has established sustainable, trustworthy, and fair coffee supply chains by applying strict criteria to economic, social, and environmental conditions for the production and processing of coffee. We will continue to promote the realization of sustainability in the production and distribution of coffee beans through the procurement of the coffee beans cultivated on coffee farms conformable to the 4C certification system.”

Hideki Takeuchi, Corporate Executive Deputy President, Ajinomoto AGF, Inc. (Japan) Roasters and Brand Owners

“IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR NESTLÉ to be supplied with responsibly sourced coffee. This means knowing where the coffee came from and how it was grown, using independent and internationally recognised standards and methods to verify or certify it. 4C certification has been playing a major role in our Responsibly Sourced coffee journey, with its inclusive and farm-group-based sustainability approach enabling a scale that benefits a large number of farmers and suits well the size and breadth of our business. Over the past few years, there have been great improvements and developments of the 4C program, using new learnings and technologies to make it even more robust and relevant for the entire coffee sector. We continue to support the 4C program and its enhancement actions.”

Marcelo Burity, Head of Green Coffee Development, Nestlé (UK) Roasters and Brand Owners

“IN SDS, I have been working with 4C since 2012. What I saw so far is that the system is being continuously improved over time. One of the most essential developments was the 4C portal: It has been very helpful for the 4C System users as it has enabled both the certification bodies and members of the 4C Units to do an analysis of the Business Partner Map. Now, 4C is not an entry-level program anymore, it has become a strong and modern certification scheme, well accepted in the coffee sector.”

Fauzi Kuswantoro, SDS Indonesia Certification Bodies

“WE AT OUTSPAN IVOIRE S.A. BELIEVE THAT 4C positively contributes to several key aspects of coffee production, including quality of coffee, the management of farmer networks and cooperatives, introduction and active implementation of good agricultural practices as well as the promotion of a responsible attitude towards the protection of the environment. Over the years with 4C, we have been able to establish a coffee demonstration plot to enhance farmers’ knowledge, introduce a training school for farmers, and map coffee plantations for better monitoring and evaluation. Moreover, the premium received by 4C certified farms was used to purchase solar energy lamps and vehicles for ease transportation in remote areas, and to support children’s education by enabling access to schools. The 4C certification of the supply chain has increased customer confidence and, with more traceability, increased the quality of coffee sourced.”

Anubhav Kanodia, Outspan Ivoire S.A. Producers and Cooperatives

“BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION IS ESSENTIAL for agriculture and the future of coffee cultivation. 4C Code of Conduct includes effective biodiversity criteria, such as a requirement for an action plan to protect and restore high biodiversity areas, natural vegetation, fauna, soil and water sources, and sensitive areas. Coffee farmers need support to comply with these criteria and implement an action plan of good quality. With the support of environmental NGOs, 4C offers training on biodiversity which has proved to be in high demand. Furthermore, a Biodiversity Performance Tool Coffee is currently in development to support farmers in the elaboration of their action plans. With these activities, the 4C standard fosters acceptance and builds capacity – both are necessary to finally make progress towards the goal of halting the loss of biodiversity.”

Marion Hammerl, President of Global Nature Fund and Managing Director of Lake Constance Foundation NGOs and Research Bodies