In response to growing consumer demand for sustainable coffee, Old Rock, a Sudbury-based coffee company, today launched its first single origin bean from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms that meet comprehensive environmental and social standards, protecting wildlife habitat and workers alike.
Old Rock will be increasing the number of blends from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in multiple countries starting March 5th in Sudbury’s main retail outlets. Carole Roy said: “In our continued commitment in offering sustainable coffee, Old Rock is now expanding its offerings with Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees.” Old Rock micro coffee roaster, known for its ferociously roasted coffee, offers more than 80 varieties of coffees to Northern Ontario and beyond from its retail locations, partners and on the web.
Rainforest Alliance Certified farms have met the standards of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), a coalition of conservation organizations in Latin America for which the Rainforest Alliance serves as secretariat. Rainforest Alliance certification promotes sustainable farm management and incorporates a range of environmental, social and economic standards, including water and soil conservation, wildlife protection, housing and healthcare for farm workers, and access to education for farm children.
“We are thrilled to team up with Old Rock as they launch their first coffee sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms,” said Tensie Whelan, Rainforest Alliance President. “This is the first step on the road to sustainability and we look forward to future environmentally and socially conscious offerings from Old Rock.” The amount of coffee purchased from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms has increased an average of 77 percent each year for the past seven years, reflecting increasing consumer demand for sustainably produced goods.
About 39 percent of Americans claim to prefer “environmentally friendly” products, according to a 2008 survey conducted by the communications agency Cone LLC and the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship. In addition, 80 percent of those surveyed believe certification by third-party organizations can play an important oversight role to make sure environmental messaging on products is accurate. Consumers can show they care about the environment and coffee farming communities by choosing products like Old Rock’s coffee, which is grown in a way that benefits workers, communities and the environment.
Old Rock was established in 2004. It has 2 locations, 2 outlets, 10 partner retailers and a strong web presence. Old Rock specializes in sustainable high quality coffees.
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. The Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM seal appears on products from farms that comply with the standards of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (a group of NGOs for which the Rainforest Alliance serves as the secretariat) and should not be confused with any other certification mark or product label. Care should be taken when referring to labels generically, as terms such as ethical, fair, or sustainable have specific meanings within the scope of each label’s approach to improving the social and environmental impact of business and commerce. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org. For media queries, contact Donita Dooley, at ddooley@ra.org or 212-677-1900.
Old Rock Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2015
Contact: Carole Roy, Master Roaster, carole@oldrock.ca, 705-564-9000
