Gobernanza privada y sustentabilidad en la industria del café

The coffee farming generates income for millions of farmers in America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. However, many producers find themselves in a vulnerable economic situation caused by several factors. In 2001, world coffee production faced a major crisis caused by low prices, which led to increase poverty in many regions. Because of this scenario, the industry started to receive a larger collection of actions that could ensure a better life condition to farmers. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the actions that four of the largest industrialized coffee companies in the world develop in three specific areas: i) purchase of sustainable coffee; ii) aid to farmers; and, iii) recycling capsules. Main findings revealed that all are committed to increase the sustainable coffee market; moreover, the projects to directly benefit the farmers are varied and reach a wide range of people, but to measure the real impact is beyond the scope of this study. Finally, the condition to have 100% recycle capsule is the goal for two of the companies until 2020. The other two still have modest strategies in this area. Key words: Brazil, certification, coffee, environmental responsibility, recycling, sustainable development