A typical example of our ethical approach to business is our relationship with the coffee farmers of Nicaragua. Bewley’s has been directly involved in two farms in Nicaragua since 2003. Through guaranteed pricing and direct supply connections, Bewley’s has positively affected the lives of over several hundred Nicaraguan Farm workers and their families.
Our Coffee Master, Paul O’Toole, initiated a trading link with the Ramacafe group. Arising from this relationship, the quality of the coffee workers has improved dramatically and Bewley’s staff visited the estate in February 2004 to witness the completion of six new homes for workers and their families.
Subsequently, Patrick Bewley, turned the sod for a new clinic and this was followed by further social investment, resulting in better coffee and a better quality of life for those directly responsible for harvesting the coffee.
We actively help our farmers to afford basic healthcare, education, and housing improvements for their families and farms. Over half the world’s coffee is produced on small family farms with only a few acres of coffee trees. Fairtrade certification provides a way for these farmers to increase their income by helping them organise into cooperatives and linking them directly to coffee importers.
