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ETG Coffee is implementing a structured sustainability program focused on responsible sourcing, roasting, and supply chain management. This initiative supports the requirements of roasting clients while strengthening commercial relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and suppliers.
ETG Coffee operates in line with evolving regulatory requirements, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the forthcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These measures support a consistent and compliant approach to ethical and traceable coffee sourcing.
The coffee desk is developing direct sourcing channels aligned with EUDR requirements and RFA/4C-certified volumes, alongside the introduction of ETG’s proprietary Beyond Beans coffee standard. In parallel, ETG Coffee is implementing field-level programs in key origin countries, including Uganda, India, Ethiopia, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire. These programs focus on regenerative agricultural practices, gender inclusion, and youth participation.
Reducing carbon intensity across the coffee value chain is a central component of the sustainability roadmap. This work supports roasting partners targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Uganda serves as the initial market for net-zero proof-of-concept initiatives within ETG’s coffee operations. The recently commissioned coffee processing facility, with an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes, supports traceability, efficiency, and sustainability objectives across the supply chain
The meticulous Carbon Footprint mapping is a departure from using external databases to calculate emissions. ETG Coffee is conducting a detailed baseline analysis, collecting data from 70 farmers on farming practices, up-country processing, and logistics with the support of Meo Carbon, a consulting company from Germany.
Agroforestry aims to sequester carbon while safeguarding coffee systems from the impacts of climate change. By reintroducing shade trees to the coffee landscape, farmers not only contribute to carbon capture but also benefit from enhanced soil structure, preventing erosion, and fostering biodiversity.
The Low-Carbon Fertilization roadmap acknowledges that fertilizers constitute a significant portion of the green robusta coffee footprint. ETG Coffee is pioneering two innovative components: an organic fertilizer partnership with EIHL Uganda and Proteen, a local organic fertilizer company using Black Soldier Flies; and BioChar production from coffee husks and agri-waste, a method that captures carbon permanently.
Sugar is a globally traded commodity with consistent demand across food, beverage, and industrial applications. It plays a central role in consumer consumption as well as in downstream manufacturing across multiple markets.
ETG is an established participant in the white sugar trade, with origination and commercial activity in key producing regions including Brazil, India, Thailand, and the European Union. Our trading reach extends across Africa, South America, and Asia, supported by long-standing supplier and customer relationships.
We trade a range of sugar specifications aligned with customer requirements, including white refined sugar, white crystal sugar, and bagged raw sugar. Shipments are executed through both containerized and conventional vessel logistics, allowing flexibility across markets and volumes.
ETG, a respected participant in the grains trading arena, traces its roots back to the 1980s when it played a pivotal role in originating grains for the World Food Program. Today, as a global leader, we facilitate the trade of over 2.5 million metric tons of grains annually. Our widespread international presence enables us to efficiently source grains from major exporters such as the United States, South America, the Black Sea region, and Africa, delivering them to diverse markets worldwide.
In Spain, ETG operates major offices, strategically distributing grains across the region. Moreover, our group holds significant sway in the African market, particularly excelling in the trade of non-GMO grains and white maize. Our deep understanding of regional dynamics and unwavering commitment to quality solidify our position as a trusted partner in the global grains market, driving sustainable growth and fostering enduring relationships.
ETG utilizes its extensive origination capabilities across the United States and South America to play a vital role in the African oilseeds sector, where we focus on sourcing premium commodities from various regions across the continent.
In a forward-thinking initiative, ETG has embarked on an Organic Oilseeds program, collaborating with local communities to cultivate organic soybeans. This initiative not only meets the growing demand for organic products but also promotes socio-economic development at the grassroots level.
With a focus on sustainability and a commitment to ethical trading practices, ETG continues to navigate the complexities of the oilseeds market, driving innovation and fostering prosperity across its global operations.
Farmers 360° Link is a traceability platform that creates new consumer experiences by linking producers and consumers.
ETG, together with Mitsui&Co., launched this project combining ETG’s network of emerging farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa with digital technology.
The project entails four distinctive user journeys:
At the heart of Farmers 360˚ link lies our dedicated team of field agents, integral members of the Parrogate, a subsidiary of ETG’s, community. We collaborate with field agents, providing them with smartphones and training to navigate our Field App seamlessly. This powerful tool, developed by our engineering team in Johannesburg, enables field agents to:
Farmers registered through our Field App embark on a unique journey of continuous learning and support. Our weekly audio lesson program, coupled with talk time incentives, empowers farmers with valuable insights for the entire farming season. We reward high-yield farmers with special bonuses, fostering a commitment to excellence.
Additionally, our innovative farmer return program, funded by the “farmer return fee,” ensures long-term benefits for farmers, ranging from productivity improvements to community-focused initiatives. The program aligns with partner fashion brands’ retail pricing, creating a sustainable model that extends beyond the harvest.
The success of Farmers' 360˚ Link contributes significantly to Parrogate's operational efficiency. Our Field App generates daily and weekly performance reports for each field agent, offering insights into registered farmers, agri-input sales, and lesson engagement. The Ginning App records crucial data during cotton processing, ensuring quality control and identifying irregularities.
We are dedicated to making Parrogate's operations paperless through a user-friendly web portal. As we pilot cashless crop purchases through mobile money, we envision a transformative shift towards seamless, efficient, and transparent operations.
Consumers play a pivotal role in our journey towards sustainable agriculture. Through QR codes on garments, we connect consumers with the rich stories behind their clothing. Our web app provides detailed information about the cotton’s origin, farmer narratives, and plans for environmentally conscious supply chain practices.
Consumers can actively support farmer return programs, choosing initiatives aligned with their values. By linking with chat apps like LINE (in Japan) or WhatsApp (globally), they receive regular updates on the progress of their chosen program, fostering a deeper connection with the impact of their choices.
Our commitment to transparency extends to the distribution of the “farmer return fee.” Pre-agreed with partner fashion brands, this fee supports farmers directly. Funds from farmer return fees are transferred to Zambia, benefiting the specific farmers responsible for the cotton used in the production of the sold garment.
By linking the return fee to specific lots of cotton shipments, we ensure that the impact is direct and meaningful.
