Kenco set to commit to Rainforest Alliance Certified beans

Kenco has announced that all its freeze-dried coffee will be sourced from beans grown on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms from January 2010, ahead of its stated schedule.

Last year, the group moved to a minimum 75% content of Rainforest Alliance Certified beans in its freeze-dried coffees, and promised a further increase during 2010.

"We are all really excited to be offering product with increased certified bean content from day one of 2010," said Kenco sales director Ashley Neal. "Our latest offering delivers great quality and real added value for operators, distributors and consumers and it's great everyone in the supply chain can feel they are doing their bit."

Sustainable and ethical sourcing of out-of-home products has become increasingly important to consumers. The Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability standards that conserve wildlife while bringing economic and social improvements to workers and communities.

The move means that Kenco Roast & Ground Core, Kenco Singles filter coffee and Kenco Freeze-Dried coffee will contain only beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. In addition, Rainforest Alliance Certified sources account for 100% of the cocoa in Suchard Hot Chocolate and at least 50% of PG Tips tea.

Kenco's parent, Kraft Foods, has helped more than 306,000 farmers sustainably manage more than 151,379 acres of farmland since it started working with the Rainforest Alliance in 2003.