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 At Van Houtte, we don't measure success simply in terms of how profitable we are. We understand that companies also need to be good neighbors - both at home and with the coffee growing communities that contribute so much to the coffee industry.
This is why we distribute a percentage of our previous year's net earnings to universities, hospitals, as well as to cultural and charitable organizations at home.
This is also the reason we created a line of fair trade and organic products as a complement to our gourmet coffee offer. We wanted it not only be fair trade and organic, but to help fund the efforts of organizations that work hard to make a difference in the lives of coffee farmers and their families.
There's a lot of talk about organic coffee, fair trade coffee and coffee-growing communities, but what's it all about? Let's start with fair trade, then go to organic.
Van Houtte does offer several fair trade and organic coffees certified by TransFair Canada.
Van Houtte is also proud to be an active part of a special CARE Canada project that helps the Empresa San Luis Cooperative in Honduras to develop the tools necessary to becoming a self-sufficient, viable economic force.
Van Houtte and The Old Brewery Mission
Van Houtte provides the Old Brewery Mission, a 100-year old Montreal-based organization, the equivalent of 184,000 cups of coffee per year.
The Old Brewery Mission was obliged to sell its coffee to its clients, so we responded immediately. We felt that this situation was simply unacceptable and were especially concerned since the Mission is in Montreal where Van Houtte’s headquarters are located.
Providing good hot coffee is essential for an organization like the Old Brewery Mission, especially during the long winter months. Van Houtte’s donation will help more than 5,000 homeless people who frequent the establishment each year.
As a coffee supplying area, Southeast Asia has always been important for Van Houtte. In light of the recent tsunami disaster in this region, Van Houtte is extending our hand in support of this region in great need.
In addition to other efforts that support coffee producing countries and their growers, for every kilogram of Javanation coffee sold in February and March 2005, Van Houtte will donate one dollar to CARE Canada's tsunami disaster relief fund.
Our Javanation collection is made up of single origin coffees and authentic espressos and includes a single origin coffee from Sumatra, one of the effected islands.
Van Houtte appreciates the hard work and passion that coffee growers from Sumatra and other coffee growing countries put into producing the fine coffee that we procure and roast.
This is why we believe that in giving back to these communities through our various efforts.
Van Houtte has always been concerned about the quality of the life and of the environment that affects coffee workers and that is why we are one of the three largest sponsors of Coffee Kids.
Did you know that every time you purchase Van Houtte fair trade and organic coffee, Van Houtte makes a donation to Coffee Kids?
Coffee Kids is an international non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life of children and families who live in coffee-growing communities around the world.
Their projects respect the cultural integrity of their local partners, foster independence and promote long-term self-sufficiency.
We also support several organizations involved in the fight against hunger. One of these is Moisson Montréal which collects food from local grocery stores and feeds about 165,000 adults and children every month.
We also help Sun Youth Organization, a comprehensive and vibrant non-profit community centre that works with schools, local fire and police departments, medical professionals, businesses and volunteers to serve the disadvantaged.
THE ENVIRONMENT
A shade-grown environment means that plants and trees are kept or planted around the coffee trees, thereby preserving the natural habitat of birds and insects. Coffee-growing countries recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced eco-system.
However, there are no plants and trees to protect sun-grown coffee trees which, as a result, do not benefit from many of the birds and insects that would otherwise contribute to their growth.
Guatemala has been using shade-grown technique since 1848. Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica use trees for natural shade and bird habitats. In Ethiopia, coffee is grown among fruits or vegetables, even in the forest.
Van Houtte has always purchased the best beans at the best price. If faced with equivalent quality and price, we will always choose shade-grown coffee. We have developed strong relationships with the farmers we deal with and, therefore, feel no need to financially support the "shade-grown" trademark that certifies shade-grown coffee.
Van Houtte has always been concerned about the quality of the life and of the environment that affects coffee workers and that is why we are one of the three largest sponsors of Coffee Kids.
We also buy Transfair coffee which helps ensure fair market prices for growers everywhere. In addition, we also buy 100% Colombian coffee not only because of its quality, but because Colombian coffee workers are members of the Colombian Coffee Federation which helps cafeteros, or coffee workers. It is involved in assisting school and hospitals, building roads and executing many other projects including fish farms, vegetable and fruit agriculture.
At Van Houtte, we believe in protecting the environment. That is why the company promotes and supports the development and implementation of sound practices in connection with its production, as well as its distribution network.
Whether at the plant level or when deciding on packaging or cup options, Van Houtte is proactive and implements concrete measures that have a positive impact on the environment. Here is a breakdown:
- We've opted for non-polluting systems that eliminate fumes at low temperatures and consume less gas.
- We recover and recycle the heat generated by the compressors in order to lower heating costs as well as energy consumption, in the winter and summer.
- For the cooling of some equipment, we favour the use of closed circuit recycled water.
- Incandescent lighting is replaced with fluorescent lighting wherever possible.
- A recycling partnership was recently concluded. Through this joint project with a reputable recycling company, we seek to recycle almost all operational waste, thereby reducing the quantity of waste and limiting the need for burial.
Coffee freshness is the key to great-tasting coffee, but with it comes certain environmental challenges.
- K-Cups - For the moment, the foil top and plastic cup are not recyclable. The challenge of protecting the freshness of roasted coffee while using environmentally-friendly packaging is one that both Van Houtte and Keurig are committed to overcoming. We are very sensitive about the waste created by the K-Cups and are investigating alternative materials. Finding a solution for this is a priority for us and one we hope to have before long.
- Bags - The polylaminate exterior is recyclable. The inside foil made of aluminum is the only solution on the market that keeps coffee fresh, but is not recyclable. Regrettably, the two films are laminated together and, consequently, recycling is not possible. Van Houtte is always on the forefront of the latest product packaging processes that minimize the impact on our environment.
- Cans - Our clients can choose entirely recyclable coffee cans.
Close attention is also paid to the environmental impact of the cups we use to serve coffee and we are always looking for sustainable solutions. Choosing a truly "green" cup is always a challenge and this issue is not taken lightly.
We must consider factors that go beyond the inclusion of recycled matter in the cup's composition. The energy needed to manufacture the cup or transport it are also part of the equation. Furthermore, opting for recycling always depends on the availability of local infrastructures which are inconsistent.
Wherever possible, Van Houtte offers its clients reusable porcelain cups or reusable cups especially designed for drinks to go. Either is an excellent option in terms of the best ecological choice and we certainly encourage them.
Van Houtte Organic Coffee
Finally, Van Houtte also promotes ecological production methods by offering its clients a wide array of organic coffees.
Organic and Fair Trade coffees
By choosing the best organic beans, grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organism (GMO) or herbicides, Van Houtte supports farmers who use methods that protect the ecosystem, such as crop rotation, composting and soil working.
Van Houtte is always on the lookout for new ideas and solutions that promote balance between production needs and distribution of a superior quality coffee, the needs and choices of its clients and the protection of our planet.
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