Tracing McDonald‘s Coffee from Latin American Farms to Your Cup
Coffee is an integral part of mornings for millions of McDonald‘s customers. But if you find yourself wondering "where exactly does their coffee come from?" while sipping a hot McCafé, you‘re not alone.
As specialty coffee culture grows, more consumers want to know the origins behind big chains too. Nearly 60% of US coffee drinkers say ethical sourcing impacts their purchases according to Technomic consumer surveys.
So let‘s follow the journey of McDonald‘s coffee beans from lush Latin American shade groves all the way to your cup. Gain some newfound appreciation for all thecare and effort that goes into sourcing this popular morning brew.
Latin American Origins
McDonald‘s uses 100% Arabica coffee beans grown primarily in the fertile, volcanic soil of Colombia and Brazil. Arabica makes up about 60% of global coffee production and is favored for its sweeter, fruitier flavors compared to the harsher Robusta variety.
Within these countries, coffee is sourced from vetted, Rainforest Alliance certified farms adhering to strict standards around:
- Worker safety and housing
- Environmental sustainability
- Water conservation
- Waste management
By only partnering with certified growers, McDonald‘s does its due diligence to promote ethical working conditions down to the farm level.
Supply Chain Management
Transporting millions of pounds of fragile Arabica coffee cherries takes careful coordination across a vast logistical network.
McDonald‘s works closely with its long-time roasting partner Gavina Gourmet Coffee to oversee the complex journey. Gavina sources, imports, and roasts the beans at their California facility before distribution to over 14,000 restaurants nationwide.
| Year | Arabica Coffee Sourced (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 64 million |
| 2020 | 61 million |
| 2019 | 58 million |
As you can see from the table above, McDonald‘s has increased purchases in lockstep with rising McCafé demand over the past few years. Part of this growth comes from expanded ethical consumer options.
Growing Ethical Markets
Recent sales data shows US and European consumers increasingly care about sustainability. For example, ethically labeled coffee commanded 55% market share in 2020 versus less than 15% in 2008 according to ISS ESG research.
McDonald‘s has responded through larger commitments to eco-friendly agriculture. Since 2015, they‘ve invested $3.5 million to support Rainforest Alliance farming communities through agronomy training and increased access to healthcare and education opportunities.
Looking Ahead
There‘s still more work to be done, but McDonald‘s seems focused on continuing to improve their supply chains with ethical integrity as the specialty coffee market matures.
As you sip your next McCafé coffee, you can feel good knowing it‘s tied to larger positive social and environmental progress. Everything from working conditions to soil health is supported by your purchase.
So next time you grab your go-to McDonald‘s order, take a brief moment to reflect on the complex sourcing story behind that steaming cup of coffee. It takes coordinated efforts across thousands of miles to turn those Latin American beans into a convenient morning ritual.
