Important Update: 4C Certification Bodies Feedback Meeting Moves Online!

Our 4C Stakeholder Conferences are designed to enable vital knowledge exchange between regional experts and all actors involved in the coffee supply chain.

The CB Feedback Meeting is an essential tool for continuously improving the 4C system, fostering direct discussion with those who implement audits on the ground. This meeting offers a crucial opportunity to share thoughts and experiences with 4C, while learning about newest developments and clarifying concerns.

While we were very much looking forward to hosting the first 4C Certification Bodies Feedback Meeting of 2025 on-site in Cologne, we have made the decision to transition this event to an online format instead. This change comes after careful consideration, as many of our international participants have faced challenges with visa processing, which would significantly impact their ability to travel and join us in person.

We believe this shift will ensure broader participation and continued engagement from all Certification Bodies working with 4C. The meeting will still take place on September 17th, 2025, as planned.

Please save these dates for our virtual gathering! We look forward to your valuable contributions in this online setting. Further details regarding registration and the virtual platform will follow soon.

– Please note that prior registration is required and that only CB staff that are registered in the 4C system are allowed to participate –

March 6th, Houston – US

Last week, 4C hosted a side event alongside the NCA Convention 2025, bringing together industry leaders, sustainability experts, and coffee producers. The event focused on transforming compliance challenges into opportunities for business growth. Discussions highlighted 4C’s evolution into a comprehensive and innovative certification system that extends beyond verification, providing practical solutions for sustainability, traceability, and regulatory compliance.

Key Takeaways:

• 4C as a Full-Service Certification System:
  4C broadened its services to assist businesses with EUDR compliance, carbon footprint measurement, and ESG reporting, supporting supply chain transparency and market access.
• Traceability and EUDR Compliance:
  In response to new deforestation-free requirements impacting global trade, 4C introduced its EUDR Compliance Solution, designed to help companies meet stringent sustainability criteria while ensuring a stable supply chain.
• Producer Perspectives: Sustainability in Practice
  Guest speakers Carolina Castañeda (FNC Colombia), Duc Huy Le (Simexco Daklak, Vietnam), and Italo Henrique (Expocacer, Brazil) shared valuable insights on implementing sustainability and certification measures at origin, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the supply chain.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction:
  For businesses aiming to exceed sustainability goals, 4C presented its Carbon Footprint Add-On, which provided structured methods for measuring, reducing, and reporting environmental impact.

Acknowledgments

We extended our sincere thanks to Jean Carlo Rivera (Control Union) and Niels Haak (Conservation International) for sharing their expertise on certification processes and carbon footprint reduction, contributing significantly to the event’s success.

As sustainability regulations became increasingly complex, 4C remained dedicated to offering practical, business-focused solutions for the coffee sector. We appreciated the active participation of all attendees and looked forward to continuing these essential conversations.

For further details on how 4C can support your company in navigating compliance and sustainability, please contact us at info@4C-services.org

Thank you to everyone who participated; we look forward to continuing this dialogue!

4C Conference Tokyo: Elevating Sustainability in the Japanese Coffee and Cocoa Market 2025

📅 Date: 22 January 2025, 08:30 – 14:00

📍 Venue: Grand Nikko Hotel, 2-6-1 Daiba Minato-ku, Tokyo

Elevating Sustainability in the Japanese Coffee and Cocoa Market

The 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference Tokyo 2025 brought together key industry players to

Simultaneous translation between English and Japanese ensured an inclusive discussion among importers, roasters, retailers, sustainability experts, and researchers.

Key Takeaways from the 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference Tokyo 2025

The event sparked transformative discussions around:

✅ Building deforestation-free supply chains and ensuring responsible sourcing practices.

✅ Reducing emissions through the 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On and driving climate action.

✅ Empowering smallholders in producing countries to enhance sustainability and livelihoods.

✅ Navigating evolving regulatory landscapes with confidence and strategic alignment.

The key outcome of this event was a renewed, collective commitment to responsible sourcing, combating climate change, and empowering producers globally. Participants, including representatives from producing countries, emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility to achieve meaningful progress in sustainability.

Below is an overview of the agenda points and the presentations available for download:

Welcome Speeches

• Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services
• Prof. Yuya Kajikawa, University of Tokyo

Sourcing of Sustainable Coffee and Cocoa for the Japanese Market

• Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services

Due Diligence Regulations and Sustainable Trade: Global Positions and Implications for the Japanese Market

• Ms. Viet Ha Nguyen, Senior Sustainability Manager, 4C

Innovative Solutions to Sustainable and Responsible Coffee and Cocoa Production

• 4C Carbon Footprint Add-On: How to Source Climate-Friendly Coffee and Reduce Carbon Footprints
  Mr. Kedar Nepal, Senior Sustainability Manager, 4C
• Life Cycle Assessment in the Coffee Sector
  Mr. Tommy Sekiguchi, Collaborative Researcher, University of Tokyo
• Sustainable Coffee Challenge and Landscape Approach
  Ms. Yuriko Matsumoto, Conservation International Japan

Case Study: Joint Journey with 4C and Sustainable Coffee Sourcing

• Mr. Duc Huy Le, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Simexco Daklak Ltd.

New Endeavours and Perspectives

• Adding Value with 4C Certification: Enhancing Sustainable and Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production
  Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C

• Sustainable Packaging Innovations: Opportunities with Bio-Based and Circular Solutions for Lower GHG Emissions
  Dr. Jan Henke, Director, ISCC Systems GmbH

Panel Discussion: Japanese Market and Sustainability, Responsible Coffee Sourcing

Featuring:

• Mr. Ryota Ito, Chief Sustainability Officer, Horiguchi Coffee, Inc
• Mr. Santiago Sabogal Troncoso, Green Coffee Manager, National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC)
• Mr. Duc Huy Le, Chairman of Board of Directors, Simexco Daklak Ltd.
• Mr. Tommy Sekiguchi, Collaborative Researcher, University of Tokyo

Moderated by 4C Services

Closing Remarks

• Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C

Networking & Consultations

Attendees engaged in networking opportunities and participated in in-person consultation meetings with Japanese-English translation assistance available.

4C Regional Stakeholder Conference, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2024

• Date: 5 December 2024, 8:30 – 14:30; Networking with individual in-person consultation from 14:30
• Venue: New World Saigon Hotel (76 Le Lai Street, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Guiding the Future of Coffee and Cocoa: Aligning with New Regulations and Advancing Sustainability Certification with 4C

The 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference 2024 in Vietnam brought together key players in the coffee and cocoa sectors to shape the future of sustainability. This event focused on aligning with new regulations such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and advancing sustainability certification practices with 4C.

The agenda featured insightful presentations on pressing topics, including due diligence requirements, zero deforestation, carbon footprint measurement, and innovative approaches to responsible coffee and cocoa production. Attendees also benefited from practical case studies and panel discussions on market requirements and brand owner perspectives.

With simultaneous translation in English and Vietnamese, the conference provided a platform for collaboration among agricultural producers, traders, NGOs, associations, and government agencies. Together, we are driving progress towards a more sustainable and resilient coffee and cocoa industry.

Welcome Speeches

• Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services, Germany
• Mr. Nguyen Nam Hai, President, Vietnam Coffee – Cocoa Association (VICOFA), Vietnam

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Moving Forward to Respond to Due Diligence Requirements

• Implementation in Germany – Dr. Josefine Wallat, Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City
• Joint Action for the compliance with EUDR of Vietnam  – Mr. Bach Thanh Tuan, Vice President, VICOFA, Vietnam 

Zero deforestation – Ms. Tran Thi Kim Thoa, Provincial Expert for the UNDP iLandscape, UNDP in Vietnam 

4C Regional Stakeholder Conference, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2023

Date: 4 December 2023, 9:00 – 18:30; Networking Reception from 16:30
Venue: New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City or virtual participation

Continuing with our regional events in 2023 after Brazil and Colombia, our third 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference took place in Vietnam. This important event focused on the latest developments in sustainability certification and requirements for coffee exports. The multifaceted agenda included renowned speakers from various organizations.

All presentations were simultaneously translated into English, Vietnamese and Chinese and included topics of growing interest such as an overview of the no deforestation and due diligence requirements in the European Union, the new German supply chain law, voluntary sustainability requirements for brand owners, implications for the coffee sector, as well as sustainable strategies and developments in the Vietnamese and wider Asian coffee sector. It was attended by representatives of important stakeholders such as agricultural producers, traders, coffee companies, associations, NGOs and relevant government agencies.

This event was an excellent opportunity to exchange views on the latest news and developments, have interesting discussions and establish contacts for potential partnerships.

4C Regional Stakeholder Conference, Bogota, Colombia 2023

Date: 31 August 2023, 9:00 – 18:30
Venue: Marriott Hotel, Av. El Dorado 69b-53, Bogotá, Colombia

Continuing with our regional events in Latin America, our second 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference of the year took place in Bogota, Colombia. This event focused on the “New requirements for coffee exports and the latest advances in sustainability certification” in the Colombian and global context. The multifaceted agenda included renowned speakers from renowned organizations such as the International Coffee Organization, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the EU Delegation in Colombia and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, among others. Topics of growing interest were discussed, such as the prospects for EU regulations on deforestation-free products and human rights due diligence, environmental protection, smallholder livelihoods and certification solutions.

Participation in this event was free of charge, but required advance registration due to limited seating. Presentations were given in Spanish and English and simultaneous translation was provided. All participants were able to benefit from this unique opportunity to learn about the latest developments and trends in current and increasingly relevant topics and to network and exchange with Colombian and international experts in the coffee sector and sustainability.

4C Regional Stakeholder Conference, Campinas, Brazil 2023

Date: 13 June 2023, 9:00 – 18:30
Venue: Royal Palm Hotel, Campinas, Brazil

Our regional stakeholder events continue in 2023 with the first session of the year taking place on 13 June 2023 in Campinas, Brazil. This important event focused on the latest developments in sustainability certification and requirements for coffee exports. All presentations were simultaneously translated into English and Portuguese and included topics of growing interest such as: an overview of the no deforestation and due diligence requirements in the European Union, the new German supply chain law, voluntary sustainability requirements for brand owners, implications for the coffee sector, as well as sustainable strategies and developments in the Brazilian coffee sector. It was attended by representatives of important stakeholders such as agricultural producers, traders, coffee companies, associations, NGOs and relevant government agencies.

It was an excellent opportunity to exchange views on the latest news and developments, have interesting discussions and establish contacts for potential partnerships.

Online: 4C Technical Stakeholder Event

We had invited 4C System users to the first 4C Technical Stakeholder Event on 24th August from 14:00 to 16:00 CEST.

The goal of the event was to facilitate a more technical and practical meeting with 4C system users’ staff, who are involved in the coffee trading activity, from Managing Entities, Intermediary Buyers and Final Buyers.

With increased interest by stakeholders and end consumers in reliable traceability as well as developments of new regulations, traceability in international supply chains and assurance of sustainable sourcing gain importance in the coffee sector.
As a response, 4C introduced Chain of Custody certification in July 2020, continued to develop our database to address customer requirements and would like to inform on new developments at 4C.

The agenda was the following:

1. Brief overview of most recent and ongoing developments in 4C  – Norbert Schmitz, 4C
2. Upcoming due diligence requirements and 4C’s regulatory value – Norbert Schmitz, 4C
3. Reflection on commercial reporting activity in 2020
    & Highlighting 4C requirements of system users and guidance – Benedikt Zimmer, 4C
4. 4C Chain of Custody certification – Benedikt Zimmer, 4C
5. Preview of a revised commercial reporting via 4C Portal as a reliable database solution – Benedikt Zimmer, 4C
6. Q&A session

4C Regional Stakeholder Conference, Antigua, Guatemala

On 23 January 2020 4C held its first 4C Regional Stakeholder Conference in Latin America, in the city of Antigua, Guatemala. Approximately 40 participants actively joined the discussions on some of the most pressing issues of sustainability.

It was an enriching opportunity to exchange insights on topics all the way from national support strategies for an environmentally sustainable coffee production, over climate change and adaptation strategies, impact of 4C certification to sustainability strategies and market requirements of leading brand owners and traders.

First 4C Global Sustainability Conference – Integrated Approach and Innovative Solutions with 4C Coffee Certification.

100 interested parties registered for the 1st 4C Global Sustainability Conference in Berlin on June 6, 2019. The conference has been a huge success, according to the feedback received from the participants.
Coffee producers, brand owners, traders, associations, government authorities, NGO’s and research bodies shared their perspectives on practical solutions for sustainable coffee supply chains.

Impact of 4C certification on the ground was described by coffee producers from Brazil, Colombia, and Uganda. Trade and end consumer requirements were elaborated on, and conclusions for a reliable and efficient certification in the coffee sector were drawn.
We showcased, how new technologies are being applied for a credible and secure 4C certification, in addition to innovative solutions for biobased and recycled polymer packaging of coffee.

The following issues were addressed by speakers from Government, coffee roasters and brandowners, trade and associations, coffee producers, research organisations, NGOs and 4C:

• Policy framework and actual political initiatives
• Environmental, social and food security risks
• The new 4C standard for sustainability risk mitigation
• Remote sensing, monitoring and mapping of supply chains
• Risk and land use change assessment
• Climate friendly coffee
• Integration of smallholders
• Impact of certification
• Sustainable packaging (biobased, recycled) for the coffee sector

The agenda allowed for brief discussion of the input provided by the speakers. To round off the day, 4C invited the participants to a reception to facilitate networking.

4C would like to thank all speakers and participants for making this conference such a successful event.