How Passport Coffee & Tea Sources Coffee
At Passport Coffee & Tea, we believe the story behind every cup matters as much as the flavor itself. Since 1983, our mission has been to search out small farms and cooperatives, support socially responsible projects, and bring you coffee that’s not only delicious, but also thoughtfully sourced.
We know that great coffee starts long before it reaches the roaster. Really, it begins with the people who plant, nurture, and harvest the beans. That’s why every coffee we offer is selected with care, reflecting relationships that honor quality, fairness, and environmental stewardship.
What Does ‘Ethically Sourced’ Mean?
When you see a coffee labeled "Ethically Sourced" from Passport, it means we’ve chosen beans from producers who embody responsible practices, both socially and environmentally.
This label means we prioritize:
1. Fair treatment and fair pay for farmers and workers.
2. Safe working conditions throughout the farming and processing stages.
3. Respect for local communities and traditional farming practices.
While there’s not a single universal certification for ethical sourcing, we follow principles that align with global standards of fairness and conscientious trade, supporting small farms and cooperatives that contribute positively to their regions.
What is ‘Farm Direct’?
Farm Direct takes ethical sourcing a step further. It reflects coffees we purchase directly from farmers or small co-ops, instead of going through multiple intermediaries.
This approach:
-
Strengthens personal relationships between Passport and the growers.
2. Helps ensure farmers are paid fairly for every pound of green coffee.
3. Encourages transparency, traceability, and mutual respect throughout the supply chain.
By working directly with producers, often in remote regions, we not only support sustained livelihoods, but also bring you beans with distinct quality and character from their specific origins.
Sustainably Sourced: Caring for People and the Planet
When a coffee is described as Sustainably Sourced, it means its production reflects environmental responsibility alongside social awareness.
Sustainable sourcing embraces practices that:
-
Preserve local ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Reduce deforestation and soil degradation.
3. Support long-term agricultural viability.
Sustainably sourced coffees, like our Natural Sumatra Gayo Mountain or Rainforest Blend, highlight beans grown in ways that protect the land and the communities that depend on it.
Rainforest Alliance Certified: Third-Party Verification
Some coffees you’ll find with us come from farms participating in the Rainforest Alliance program; one of the world’s most recognized certifications for sustainable agriculture.
What does Rainforest Alliance certification mean?
-
Farms meet rigorous standards that protect ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and natural resources.
2. Social and economic conditions for workers and their communities are improved.
3. Practices promote long-term resilience and responsible land management.
When you choose a Rainforest Alliance certified coffee, you’re not just getting great flavor... you’re also supporting meaningful change on the ground.
Why It All Matters
At Passport Coffee & Tea, sourcing isn’t just a label, it’s part of who we are. We proudly work with small farmers, celebrate rich traditions, and choose beans that reflect a deep respect for people and our planet.
By choosing ethically sourced, farm direct, sustainably sourced, or certified coffees, you’re sipping with purpose, knowing each cup supports communities and landscapes around the world.
Drink mindfully. Enjoy fully.
