Green Mountain Coffee: Review and Giveaway

A while back (ugh – time has no meaning since the second kid came along, you know what I mean?) I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of an "e-Taste & Be Fair" virtual coffee tasting with Green Mountain Coffee. Those of us participating in the tasting were able to take part in a tasting that rivaled the best of wine tastings, along with a professional coffee taster.

I signed up to take part in this tasting because 1) everyone knows I LOVE ME SOME GOOD JAVA! But more importantly, 2) I am a huge supporter of Fair Trade.

A few notes about Fair Trade: TransFair USA, the non-profit organization that certifies products as Fair Trade, describes the certification as "empowering farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace."

Fair Trade principles include fair price, fair labor conditions, direct trade, democratic and transparent organizations, community development and envirnmental sustainability. Last year alone, Fair Trade Certification created $1.6 million in revenues for farmers.

I've been buying Fair Trade coffee exclusively for at least 5-7 years now. I firmly believe the coffee is superior and it's an easy way to make a necessary change in our world and to support the self-sufficiency of farming families and communities across Latin America, Africa and Asia. Whereever you shop, you should be able to find Fair Trade coffee. They have tons of options at Trader Joe's, for example.

The following italicized text was lifted from the TransFair USA website. I think it is highly informative so I wanted to share it word for word. It's important to note that TransFair seeks to extend the benefits of Fair Trade to benefit as many farmers and communities possible. They do not attempt to monitor a company's broader business practices or motives for involvement in Fair Trade. In other words, TransFair certifies products, not companies.  So if you see Fair Trade crop up in mainstream stores/restaurants such as Starbucks and McDonald's, know that expansion contributes to the health of farming communities around the world.  With that, here's an example of how Fair Trade has been expanded through Starbucks:

What is Starbucks® role in Fair Trade?

Since launching Fair Trade Certified (FTC) coffee in 2000, Starbucks has undeniably made a significant contribution to family farmers through their rapidly growing volumes of FTC purchases. By offering FTC coffee in thousands of stores, Starbucks has also given the FTC label greater visibility, helping to raise consumer awareness in the process.

FTC coffee now represents over 6% of all Starbucks coffee purchases. Starbucks makes its FTC volume information public. It is available below, and in their 2006 CSR Annual Report.

Starbucks offers an incredible opportunity to make positive impact in the developing world.

Whenever I buy coffee at Starbucks, I always request Fair Trade Certified coffee. I like to be a part of the supply and demand equation! *smile*

Back to the e-taste: the coffee I had the pleasure of trying was Green Mountain Coffee's Limited Edition Spring Revival Blend, a medium-light roast with a subtle floral aroma and a nutty sweetness. While the coffee is a blend of 100% Organic South American beans, the floral top notes of this Fair Trade Certified^™ blend come from a Fair Trade coffee cooperative in Rwanda, where the coffee is grown. This Limited Edition Seasonal coffee is helping to support Rwanda’s economic revival.

Doesn't this coffee sound delicious? Well, it is! Unfortunately you can no longer purchase it because it was a limited edition seasonal blend. But lucky for you, I have a bag to give away to one lucky winner!

In the meantime, you should check out Green Mountain Coffee's latest seasonal Fair Trade blend, Summer Safari. It's getting rave customer reviews on their website.

Rules to enter the giveaway: Leave a comment at the end of this post. Be sure to leave your email for me to contact you. You can enter once daily through end-of-day July 4th, when I will randomly draw a winner.   

7/5 UPDATE :: Congrats to the winner, Eunice C. of Random Walk Down Mommy Street. Enjoy a good cuppa java on me and Green Mountain Coffee!

Tagged as: fair trade, Giveaway, Green Mountain Coffee, Spring Revival Blend