What does Certification mean?

Certifications are acknowledgements that certain requirements or standards are met and are usually verified for authenticity by independent third parties. They are important for transparency and allow consumers to make informed choices. In the case of coffee, certifications such as Organic, Fair Trade, UTZ, Rainforest Alliance and 4C Initiative ensure sustainability and ethical practices. The duration of certification varies, but is usually two to six months, depending on factors such as documentation, complexity and availability of staff.