#None #Mitsui & Co. #UCC Group #Cooxupé

UCC Group's Commitment to Sustainable Coffee Sourcing

In an ambitious move to achieve 100% sustainable coffee sourcing by 2030, the UCC Group has announced a new partnership with Brazilian companies Cooxupé and Mitsui & Co. Coffee Trading Brazil. This collaboration adds to UCC's sustainability efforts by meeting the standards established for sustainable coffee procurement, bringing the total number of certified sourcing partners to twelve, which includes three certification agencies and nine trading companies.

UCC Group, driven by its purpose, "Unlocking the Power of Coffee for a Better World," is recognized for its global initiatives that encompass the entire coffee production process, from cultivation to the final cup. In April 2022, the company established its sustainability guidelines, emphasizing the development of a sustainable coffee sourcing model. This included formulating new standards based on three key sustainable elements: the planet, people, and products. Through audits conducted by collaborative partners, UCC aims to foster coffee procurement that adheres to these criteria.

Cooxupé and Mitsui & Co. are aligned with UCC's sustainability guidelines, sharing a vision to support sustainable coffee cultivation, biodiversity preservation, and improvements in farmers' livelihoods. Both organizations have established criteria that enrich their collaboration with UCC. The partnership aims not only to enhance sustainable coffee production but also to generate a long-lasting positive impact for coffee producers and future generations.

Insights from the Leaders

Natalia Carr, ESG Manager at Cooxupé

"Partnering with UCC marks a significant step for Cooxupé. Together, we will promote sustainable sourcing and cultivate a lasting positive impact on coffee producers and future generations." Cooxupé is headquartered in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and is committed to fostering sustainable agricultural practices within its operations.

Marcelo Moura, CEO of Mitsui & Co. Coffee Trading Brazil

"We take pride in supporting the sustainability vision of the UCC Group and sharing a commitment to creating a more sustainable coffee sector. Our Mitsui Sustainability Certification, VSS Midori, aligns perfectly with this mission, guiding best practices across the coffee value chain, expanding beyond environmental responsibility. This comprehensive framework is designed to promote continuous improvement at the producer level, enhance economic sustainability through appropriate management and financial stability, and ensure responsible production from seedlings and genetic resources to post-harvest processes. Notably, our approach aims for complete traceability through robust monitoring and documentation, advancing environmental stewardship through conservation practices, compliance with regulations, and zero deforestation. Moreover, it strengthens social responsibility by providing safe working conditions, training, and adherence to labor laws. Through this integrated approach and alignment of our shared vision with UCC, we aim to promote sustainability from cultivation to the final cup of coffee, driving positive change and contributing to human well-being through the power of coffee."

Beyond their partnership, UCC Group has continuously strived for excellence in the coffee industry since its inception in 1933. The company has cultivated a unique business model that spans cultivation in producing countries to procurement, research and development, roasting, sales, quality assurance, and even educational initiatives. With an expected revenue of ¥397.9 billion for the fiscal year ending December 2024, UCC operates on a global scale, encompassing Japan, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America. UCC Group is committed to realizing carbon neutrality by 2040 and nurturing sustainable coffee procurement efforts while accelerating activities that balance sustainable societal development with business growth. Its pioneering ventures include the world’s first canned coffee, the establishment of the UCC Coffee Academy for educational purposes, and the innovation of coffee transitioning from "drinking" to "eating" through unique products like YOINED, as well as the mass production of hydrogen-roasted coffee—continuing to challenge traditional norms and create unique value in the coffee landscape.

In sum, UCC Group's recent collaboration with Cooxupé and Mitsui & Co. is not merely a business agreement; it signifies a collective movement towards a more sustainable coffee industry, promoting both environmental stewardship and economic viability for coffee producers around the world.