"Our consumers and customers care about the benefits that certification delivers. That's good for business," says Weber. "As a result, we think we're making a positive impact across our food chain--from crop to cup."
Last year, the food giant purchased nearly 50,000 metric tons of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, more than half of which went to the firm's European Union coffee business; approximately 11,000 metric tons of Rainforest certified cocoa; roughly 19,000 metric tons of Fairtrade cocoa, and about 24,000 metric tons of Fairtrade sugar, according to the firm.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market has its own sustainable "World Trade Guarantee" program, which it created in 2007 to meet the increased demand for sustainable foods.
The program contains a set of purchasing criteria for products from developing countries ensuring high quality, fair labor practices, and sound environmental production practices.
"We've always been committed to selling the highest quality, responsibly sourced natural and organic products available," said Matt Rogers, produce field expert for the natural and organic food retailer. "Our shoppers tell us that walking through our doors is like walking through a 'filter.' They know we will only offer them the best tasting, highest quality foods that meet our strict standards."
Examples of Whole Foods' products include more than 1,000 sustainable food items, such as bananas, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar and vanilla, as well as flowers. All are either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified, and in some cases both.