McDonald’s verifies the sustainability of its ground and whole bean coffee through its in-house McCafé Sustainability Improvement Platform (SIP), or sources it from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. It set the goal for its US locations in 2014.
SIP verifies positive impact at the farms and analyzes four elements from roasters--transparency, producer collaboration, measured performance and assurance.
The company said it wants to stay focused on promoting climate resiliency and supporting its farmers to continue their coffee farming traditions. In some other global markets, McDonald’s has already reached the 100% goal for coffee in an effort to improve its sourcing company-wide.
Marion Gross, chief supply chain officer at McDonald's North America, said "As we prioritize McCafé as a go-to coffee destination, we recognize that sustainability is important to customers, coffee farmers and to helping ensure the supply of coffee for future generations."
"We're thankful for the dedication of all partners throughout the McDonald's system and supply chain who together achieved this important milestone where we serve customers delicious, high quality, and now 100% sustainably sourced McCafé coffee."
Globally, McDonald’s has trained about 20,000 farmers since 2012 on the company’s sustainable practices, including reforestation and water quality to maintain healthy land.
Alex Morgan, chief markets officer at the Rainforest Alliance, said "Sourcing coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms protects the environment as well as farmer livelihoods and the wellbeing of their communities.”
"As coffee growing regions increasingly feel impacts from climate change, McDonald's sustainable sourcing efforts in partnership with Rainforest Alliance and through McCafé SIP preserve a long-term, sustainable supply of coffee."
Beyond coffee and the McCafé division, McDonald's USA announced last year that its classic burgers do not contain artificial preservatives, artificial flavors or added colors from artificial sources. It is aiming to source 100% of its eggs cage-free by 2025 in the US, and reported that it’s currently at 33%.
Other ongoing goals across its supply chain include sourcing all of its dairy products in the US from farms that participate in the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program (FARM) by the end of 2020. McDonald’s wants these initiatives to help shift public perception of the brand and highlight its investment in product quality.
