Rainforest Alliance Certification – What is it?

Celebrate the Rainforest!

At Velo, we strongly believe in quality, and therefore only source the best beans available and roast them to the highest standards. We work closely with our green bean merchants, Olam Specialty Coffee, to secure a direct line of traceability back to each farm!

Have you noticed the new logo on our BMX and Tandem coffee bags? It’s the one with the frog on it. Well, that is to show that our coffee is Rainforest Alliance Certified. You might be wondering, ‘what does that mean?’ The Rainforest Alliance seal promotes collective action for people and nature and proves that the products with the seal are recognised for contributing towards a better planet. 

The Rainforest Alliance seal means that the product was produced using methods that support sustainability socially, economically, and environmentally. Olam is part of the Rainforest Alliance program which further emphasises their commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability training, and clear benefits for farmers. 

Rainforest Alliance programs focus on a variety of themes: forests, climate, human rights, and livelihoods. This protects forests by preventing expansion of cropland and remaining mindful of the health of trees, soil, and waterways. This is extremely important in areas, such as South America where the Amazon faces many threats such as agricultural expansion, urban expansion, mining, dams, etc. The goal of Rainforest Alliance is to stop deforestation by working with communities and partners to create a more sustainable forest economy. Both our BMX and Tandem coffees are proud wearers of this seal thanks to our Rainforest Alliance certified Brazil! 

Rainforest Alliance certification will help farmers reach new markets, negotiate for better prices, and words towards building a more economically secure future. BMX and Tandem are two of many examples of products that are helping worldwide to achieve rainforest sustainability, prosperity, and to make a positive contribution to communities. We are so proud that two of our favourite and most popular coffees – BMX and Tandem - are labelled with a Rainforest Alliance Certification (take a look for the frog next time!) This means that each time you have your morning cup you’re helping support the world’s largest rainforest! The Amazon stretches across nine South American countries (including Brazil) and is home to more than 120 indigenous groups. One-fifth of all freshwater in the world flows from the Amazon basin, so it is vital that we all do our part to maintain a sustainable environment!

There you have it! Now you know what it means to be Rainforest Alliance Certified! So, go drink your BMX or Tandem and be sure to appreciate the rainforest a little extra this week!