The 4C Association: What it is.
The 4C Association is based on a voluntary Code of Conduct comprising basic social, environmental and economic
practices in coffee production, processing and trading. The 4C Code is designed to trigger a process of continuous
improvement towards increasing sustainability. Actors who don't exclude Unacceptable Practices, as defined in the
4C Code of Conduct, cannot be members of the Association.
4C aims at improving producers' income and living conditions through cost reductions, quality improvements,
optimisation of the supply chain, improved marketing conditions and better access to markets and credits. It
also promotes environmental sustainability, for example through reducing the use of hazardous agrochemicals,
and protecting tropical rainforests. An independent third party verification will check the process on an
aggregated level, emphasizing the responsibility of actors along the chain.
In order to achieve its objectives, 4C offers support services to coffee producers. A support network provides access
to training programmes, promotes good agricultural and management practices, facilitates information exchange, and
strengthens the self-organisation of farmers.
Upon joining, trade and industry members sign a set of Rules of Participation under which they commit themselves to
buying increasing amounts of 4C coffee over time, cover the verification costs of producers with their membership fees.
An additional part of their membership fee is used to build up 4C support services. Members report back on their
activities and adhere to the communication guidelines, ensuring that the sustainability approach is properly
communicated. 4C will not use a logo or seal on coffee packs.
Do you want to know more about what's in there for producers, civil society members and coffee trade and industry
and how to join? Download here our background information.
The vision of 4C
We believe that together, we can take the first steps on the road which leads to sustainability for the
entire coffee world. By joining forces with all stakeholders, we can make a difference which can benefit
all actors, from coffee producers to consumers.
The mission of 4C
The efficient production and processing of coffee, combined with respect for the social and environmental
conditions of its production, form the basis for improving the situation of coffee growers and workers
worldwide. 4C creates incentives designed to optimise transparency and identity preservation along the whole
coffee chain and to increase the awareness of individual responsibilities in the production, processing and
trading of coffee.
Thereby, 4C aims at preparing the entire coffee sector for the increasing demand from consumers worldwide
for an all-round good coffee quality. This quality refers not only to the product itself, but also to
sustainable production and trading methods.
The Members of 4C
Among others, producer members come from all three coffee continents: Africa, Asia and Latin America, i.e.
Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, México, Perú, Vietnam, Zambia etc. The current 4C trade and
industry members comprise four of the five largest roasting companies, the four largest trade houses
worldwide, retail chains and major trade & industry associations from consuming and producing
countries. The civil society is represented by Non Governmental Organisations and Unions. Associate
members are governments, development agencies, and researchers from consuming and producing countries
as well as individuals.
Join 4C today! Visit the registration page!
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