Sustainable Coffee

Our Approach to Helping Coffee Growers

Tim Hortons has a long standing tradition of making a true and meaningful difference in the communities where we do business. Our philosophy is to take the same approach of community involvement not just to communities that enjoy our products - and coffee - but also to those communities that produce our coffee.

The Tim Hortons approach to coffee sustainability is to be directly involved with coffee producing communities by providing direct financial assistance for technical training to improve the quantity and quality of coffee produced and assist farmers in getting their coffee to market at the best time and for the best price.  Assistance is also provided on environmental management, in both proper farming techniques and reforestation projects, led by Tim Hortons.

Tim Hortons also recognizes the need for direct involvement with coffee growing communities for their social programs - providing assistance primarily in education and medical care.

The Tim Hortons approach is different from other world wide sustainable coffee initiatives. While admirable, some programs may require certification on behalf of the farmers which is an expense they cannot afford, plus the price provided may be less than what it should be and may have no relation to the quality of the coffee produced. In addition, the programs can have little or no involvement on the part of the coffee retailer. The Tim Hortons program ensures that the money spent actually reaches or benefits the coffee grower and the surrounding community.

The Results to Date

In 2005, we launched our first community partnership program in the Oriente coffee region in Guatemala. In this region, ACCSO (Asociacion Comercializadora Cafe Sustenible Oriente) - a growers' co-op was created and today, has 900 members providing a direct benefit to approximately 4500 people in the region. Tim Hortons is working with the Association to create and implement effective development, accountability and local management of both technical training and social programs. The Tim Hortons program is unique in helping local growers raise their professionalism to become business men and woman who by understanding the coffee market can improve their income.  

For the Farmers - Tim Hortons is proud that since this pilot program was developed, the local growers have had significant benefit. Local growers are now producing a better grade of coffee and improved yields, allowing them to invest back into their business in areas such as improved fertilization and the creation of drying patios and improved buying stations. Local growers are selling coffee in a more finished form, and the quality of the coffee is being recognized by buyers, allowing for more consistent, and fair pricing.

For the Farmer's Community - Improvements have been made in the community. Local children typically only had the opportunity to reach the level of Grade Six, but with an investment in school books, and video teaching aids made possible by Tim Hortons in partnership with the Guatemalan government, children are now able to attend school an additional three years. This year, 300 students will graduate from the extended school program. In total, there are 720 students enrolled in Tim Hortons supported schools. In health care, the Tim Hortons sponsored medical clinics have been a benefit to over 400 local families.

For other Farmers and their Communities - In 2006, Tim Hortons launched two additional sustainable coffee projects in Columbia and Brazil with the result that Tim Hortons' involvement now provides a benefit to 9000 people.

Our Goal for the Future

The Tim Hortons practise of direct community involvement is just under three years old and while the results have been positive, there is a long way to go. Our goal is to work closely with our coffee suppliers to create additional community partnership programs, and to ensure that we continue to build on making a true difference to coffee producing communities.