UTZ certified coffee

UTZ presents itself with simple yet concise words: "When you buy UTZ-certified coffee, cocoa, tea, or hazelnut products, you are helping to build a better future." Since its inception, UTZ certification has focused on farmers and their families – without forgetting the planet. The program implemented by UTZ enables everyone involved in the daily processing of natural products to use state-of-the-art farming methods, thereby improving both the quality and quantity of the products.

UTZ, first-class raw materials and workforce

Obtaining UTZ certification is no easy feat. Perfection can only be achieved through countless hours of work and dedication. Before receiving the seal of approval, each product must meet numerous stringent requirements, which are meticulously monitored by independent testing institutes. This necessitates both sound agricultural practices and business management that respects the environment and its employees. Healthy and legally compliant working conditions are of paramount importance. A major focus is placed on combating child and forced labor, which, unfortunately, remains widespread in the world's poorest regions. Naturally, environmental protection is also a key objective.

The UTZ certification program originally began under the name "UTZ kapeh" (pronounced: o͞otz kahpāy), which means "good coffee" in the Guatemalan Mayan language Quiché. It was founded in 2002 through the initiative of a Guatemalan farmer and a Dutch coffee roaster with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. Since then, the certification has achieved remarkable success, largely thanks to the support of the Rainforest Alliance, of which it has been a member since 2018.

UTZ and Rainforest Alliance – A Union for the Environment

Since the merger, UTZ and Rainforest Alliance Certified have worked closely together to create a better market for both the people involved and the environment. Today, the UTZ brand is being phased out, having been almost fully integrated into the Rainforest Alliance brand. The new certification, introduced by the Rainforest Alliance in mid-2020, is now considered the standard. The two organizations have worked diligently in recent months to ensure a smooth transition from the UTZ mark to the Rainforest Alliance seal, so that all previously certified products can continue to be sold.

This shared commitment promotes production methods that invest in and reward sustainable practices. Consumers appreciate this because they can trust and believe in the products on their tables. To make a difference in the world, you sometimes have to take an interest in the most mundane things – those that many forget or take for granted. Sustainability is one of them. Thanks to the efforts of UTZ and the Rainforest Alliance, more than 50 percent of the world's sustainably grown coffee, tea, and cocoa falls under UTZ's purview.

"It is the little things, the everyday actions of ordinary people, that keep the darkness at bay."
– J.R.RTolkien

Already J.R.RTolkien, the author of the famous fantasy saga Lord of the ringsHe sensed how important details and less grandiose actions are. UTZ has taken on this task and proven itself to be an attentive and committed partner for the betterment of society. Thanks to their work, the value of raw materials and products bearing the certification seal has increased, and they have achieved a prominent position in the international market. The future is in good hands.