Community Coffee, America’s #1 family-owned premium retail coffee brand, is commemorating its longstanding partnership with World Coffee Research (WCR), a global research organization committed to improving coffee’s productivity, quality, and climate resilience. This partnership underscores Community Coffee’s dedication to ensuring a sustainable future for coffee and supporting the livelihoods of farmers who cultivate this cherished crop. As a founding member of WCR, the company has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustainability within the coffee industry since 2012.
The Growing Threat to Coffee Supply Chains
According to recent data from WCR, the global coffee industry faces the alarming possibility of a supply shortage amounting to millions of bags by 2030. This threat arises from a combination of increasing coffee demand and the adverse effects of climate change on coffee-growing regions. Coffee is highly sensitive to temperature and rainfall fluctuations, making it particularly vulnerable to a warming planet.
Recognizing these challenges early, Community Coffee partnered with other industry leaders to establish WCR. The goal was clear: to invest in groundbreaking agricultural research that would safeguard the future of coffee production while addressing the economic challenges faced by coffee-growing communities.
“As a founding member of World Coffee Research, we are investing in the future of coffee for everyone, from farming families to roasters to our consumers,” said Tom Corley, CEO of Community Coffee. “This collaboration represents our commitment to ensuring that coffee remains a thriving industry for generations to come.”
Vulnerabilities in the Coffee Supply Chain
Currently, nearly 75% of the world’s coffee is produced in just five countries: Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. This concentration of production leaves the global coffee supply chain highly susceptible to climate-related risks, such as extreme weather events, pests, and diseases. The monoculture nature of coffee farming in many of these regions further exacerbates the issue, as it reduces biodiversity and heightens vulnerability.
WCR seeks to address these vulnerabilities by developing and distributing new coffee varieties tailored to diverse growing environments. By diversifying coffee production across more regions and introducing resilient plant varieties, WCR aims to build a more stable and sustainable global coffee supply.
“There is a very real threat to coffee,” stated Matt Saurage, Chairman of the Board for Community Coffee. “With World Coffee Research, we are investing in everything from coffee breeding to plant life to anticipate the needs of farmers. This work is essential to preserving the future of coffee as we know it.”
Accelerating Innovation Through Coffee Breeding
One of WCR’s most ambitious initiatives is its focus on accelerating the development of new coffee varieties. The traditional process of breeding coffee plants can take decades, but WCR is leveraging advanced agricultural technologies to shorten this timeline significantly. The organization’s goal is to deliver the first waves of new coffee varieties to farms worldwide by 2036, with subsequent varieties introduced every three years.
These new varieties are designed to be more resilient to climate change, resistant to pests and diseases, and capable of producing higher yields without compromising quality. By providing farmers with access to these improved plants, WCR aims to enhance the economic stability of coffee-growing communities while meeting the rising global demand for coffee.
“Community Coffee has been a foundational leader in World Coffee Research’s work to advance agricultural research and development in coffee because they’re so committed to the families that produce it,” said Jennifer “Vern” Long, CEO of WCR. “They recognize the value of investing in the future of coffee — not just across the U.S., but also as a bridge to the producers around the world who provide this amazing beverage for all of us to enjoy.”
A Commitment to Farmer Livelihoods
Beyond agricultural innovation, Community Coffee’s partnership with WCR reflects a deep commitment to improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers. Many coffee-growing regions are located in economically disadvantaged areas, where farmers face significant challenges such as low market prices, limited access to resources, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change.
By investing in WCR’s research and development initiatives, Community Coffee is working to address these challenges. The company’s support helps fund programs that provide farmers with access to better agricultural practices, improved coffee varieties, and critical resources to enhance their productivity and income. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of agricultural innovation extend beyond the farm to the broader coffee supply chain and, ultimately, to consumers.
Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers
One of the key strengths of Community Coffee’s partnership with WCR is its ability to connect coffee farmers with the global market. By investing in research that addresses both the environmental and economic challenges of coffee production, the partnership helps ensure that farmers can continue to meet the demands of consumers while preserving the quality and heritage of coffee.
Community Coffee’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its consumer-facing initiatives. The company actively educates its customers about the importance of supporting sustainable coffee practices and encourages them to make choices that benefit both the environment and coffee-growing communities.
The Road Ahead: Ensuring a Sustainable Future for Coffee
As the coffee industry continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and rising demand, the partnership between Community Coffee and World Coffee Research serves as a model for how industry leaders can drive meaningful change. Through innovative research, farmer support, and consumer engagement, this collaboration is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable coffee industry.
Looking ahead, the work of WCR and its partners will play a critical role in shaping the future of coffee. By developing new plant varieties, diversifying production regions, and addressing the needs of farmers, the organization aims to build a coffee supply chain that can withstand the challenges of a changing world.
For Community Coffee, this mission is deeply personal. As a family-owned business with a legacy spanning more than a century, the company is committed to ensuring that coffee remains a source of joy and connection for generations to come.
“Our partnership with World Coffee Research reflects our belief in the power of collaboration and innovation,” said Matt Saurage. “By working together, we can create a brighter future for coffee farmers, our customers, and the entire coffee industry.”
As the first waves of WCR’s new coffee varieties prepare to reach farms in the coming years, the partnership between Community Coffee and WCR offers a powerful example of how research-driven initiatives can address some of the most pressing challenges facing the coffee industry today. Together, they are not only safeguarding the future of coffee but also creating a more equitable and sustainable world for everyone involved in its journey — from seed to cup.
