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Julius Meinl's Remarkable Sustainability Achievement

In February 2026, Julius Meinl proudly announced a standout milestone in its commitment to sustainability: achieving 100% sourcing of 'Responsibly Selected Coffee' for all products roasted in their two production facilities located in Vienna and Vicenza. This noteworthy accomplishment is not merely a point of pride for the brand; it represents a culmination of years of hard work and close partnerships across the entire coffee supply chain.

A Meaningful Definition of Responsibly Selected Coffee

At the heart of Julius Meinl’s strategy for their 'Responsibly Selected Coffee' is alignment with internationally recognized sustainability criteria set forth in the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code), developed by the Global Coffee Platform (GCP). This esteemed organization comprises various stakeholders within the coffee industry who are committed to collective action aimed at improving sustainability.

The Coffee SR Code lays down a comprehensive framework built on three pillars:
1. Economic: Promoting optimal farm management and enhancing access to agricultural knowledge to bolster farmers' livelihoods.
2. Social: Upholding human rights through fair working conditions, and ensuring safe environments and positive contributions to local communities.
3. Environmental: Protecting our planet by caring for biodiversity, judiciously using water and resources, preventing pollution, and adopting climate-resilient practices.

Through GCP's Equivalence Mechanism, which the International Trade Center supports, the sustainability initiatives and third-party certifications, like Fairtrade, which comply with the Coffee SR Code, can be acknowledged as equivalent. This structure streamlines recognition and encourages farmers to pursue improvements that matter.

A Continuous Commitment to Improvement

One of the critical elements of the Coffee SR Code is its emphasis on ongoing enhancement, aligning with the dynamic social, environmental, and economic contexts faced by coffee-producing countries. Julius Meinl has taken significant steps to evaluate its progress, working in partnership with Enveritas, a non-profit organization that conducts regular assessments of farms and supply chains. The findings from these assessments are shared with their suppliers to collaboratively unveil challenges and implement necessary improvements.

Nicolas Charmillot, Director of Green Coffee Sourcing at Julius Meinl, emphasizes that achieving 100% Responsibly Selected Coffee marks a significant milestone in their sustainability journey. He highlights, “It brings years of collaboration with our partners into fruition, demonstrating our dedication to having a positive impact across our supply chain, from the farms where coffee is cultivated to the cups enjoyed daily. This initiative ensures coffee lovers can trust that every bean sourced in Vienna and Vicenza is handled with respect for people, communities, and the environment.”

Looking Forward

Julius Meinl views the accomplishment of sourcing 100% Responsibly Selected Coffee in its own roasting facilities as just the beginning. The brand has ambitious goals, aiming to ensure that all externally produced Julius Meinl-branded coffee products meet the same standards by the end of 2028, continuing their collaboration with partners throughout the supply chain to harness coffee's potential as a force for positive change for future generations.

Founded in 1862, Julius Meinl has established itself as one of the oldest coffee roasters in the world and a prominent name in Viennese coffee culture. With a family legacy spanning five generations, they prioritize quality in sourcing, blending, and roasting, serving their coffee and teas in over 50,000 establishments across 70 countries, including a growing number of retail outlets.

In conclusion, Julius Meinl’s journey toward sustainability not only enhances their brand reputation but also demonstrates the impact responsible sourcing can have on the global coffee industry. This milestone serves as a beacon of hope and a model for others in the coffee world to follow.