'Fair to Farmers' - Our Policy

Ethical Training

Our approach is to develop long-term relationships with growers and to place orders in advance so that they can plan for the future rather than suffer the uncertainties of world commodity markets. We have been working with individual growers and co-operatives in several countries for many years and our range includes many 'single estate' coffees.

Sustainable Pricing

Whittard of Chelsea was established in 1886 with the principle to 'buy the best'. We pay a premium price directly to the growers for the highest quality pure Arabica beans. 

Social Responsibility

Our aim is to work with growers who take a responsible approach their employees and their working conditions. As part of our trading relationship, our coffee specialists have regular contact with the growers. We favour shade-grown coffees, which help to protect the natural environment.

In Action

Colombian Mujares Cafeculturos Caucana
Whittard buys this coffee directly from the Coffee Growing Women of Cauca State. This group of over 350 women grow coffee on small plantations around the town of Popayan, in the wild northern Andes foothills, in Southern Colombia.

With the help of the local mill, this co-operative has so improved the quality of its coffee that we are very proud to be buying all their production of 'Supremo' grade beans. We pay a special premium, which is allocated to the purchase of fertiliser and tools.

Click here to be taken to this coffee.