Design for sustainable supply chain: the case of specialty coffees production

Abstract

The parameters that distinguish specialty coffees have to do with economic, social and environmental sustainability of their production in the sense of fostering greater fairness in the relations among the links in the supply chain. However, very little research has been done and very few guidelines have been constructed that would indicate how to adopt Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices and how to proceed. In this context, this research aims to identify guidelines capable of describing the sustainable supply chain of specialty coffee production on small farms in Brazil. The specialty coffees studied in the present research are of high quality rated above the minimum for exportation. It was also observed that farmers have managed two important things: developed relations of fidelity with trading companies so they can accompany the production; and organized themselves and disseminated costs, strengthened cultural patterns and positioned themselves better in the market.

Cooperating With “Open Cards”—The Role of Small Intermediary Businesses in Realizing Sustainable International Coffee Supply

“…In the first phase, the current coffee supply and value chains of the two coffee businesses were mapped out and analyzed (cf. Castello Branco and dos Santos, 2018). Additional information about the current business practices was compiled and assessed against a comprehensive set of sustainability principles (cf.…”

“…Incremental improvements do not suffice to address current sustainability challenges in international coffee supply (Zerbe, 2014). Approaches are needed that restructure international coffee supply in ways that align with a comprehensive set of sustainability principles (Samper and Quiñones-Ruiz, 2017;Castello Branco and dos Santos, 2018). The SAFA framework (FAO, 2014) provides a robust sustainability assessment framework for food systems.…”

“…In supply-chain relationships trust is a special quality that facilitates reciprocity and accountability in following through with obligations and granting benefits (Castello Branco and dos Santos, 2018). It has been identified as a key factor in successful (sustainable) coffee supply chains (Cuong, 2019).…”

Productivity and grain size of coffee grown in different weed management systems

“…However, even with greater productivity in the short term, it must be considered that these two methods of weed control tend to leave the soil uncovered. This favors the action of climatic agents that cause erosion and loss of soil quality over time, which is unfavorable in terms of crop sustainability (Vieira, Giunti, Gris, & Silva, 2015;Branco & Santos, 2018).…”