The 4C Association is glad to announce the opening of its fourth regional Office in Vietnam during a major Workshop on Sustainable Coffee Development. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department for Crop Production (MARD) on Dec 4th, 2009 in Da Lat, Vietnam.

In its second full operational year the 4C Association reports an increase of purchasing of 4C Compliant Coffee by final buyers of more than 150% and foresees further growth of at least 50% in 2010. Sales rose from 194.000 bags in 2008 - the year of first commercial reporting - to 492.456 bags in 2009. At the same time, the number of final buyer members of the 4C Association increased from 10 to 23.

As part of a broad strategy development, the Common Code for the Coffee Community Association has fine-tuned its identity, adopted the name 4C Association and refreshed its visual appearance.

During the 4C General Assembly Meeting, members of the
4C Association elected new representatives for its organs. The 4C Association further welcomed its new President and Executive Director.

The 4C Association and the Rainforest Alliance enter into a new collaboration level through a benchmarking process. This first benchmarking benefits coffee producers holding the Rainforest Alliance Certified diploma who now have access to the growing market of 4C Compliant Coffee without additional costs.

The 4C Association announces the results of its first operational year, the 2007/2008 coffee year.