Our Blog
B Corp Coffee Partnerships: How Conscious Collaboration Drives Environmental Impact
View BY :
B Corp Coffee Partnerships: Conscious Collaboration
Every first Saturday in July, thousands of people gather at Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor for the World's Largest Salmon BBQ—a celebration that’s both festive and fiercely focused on restoration. It's a paradox we embrace: honoring nature by gathering in its name.
This spirit of collective care mirrors how Thanksgiving Coffee approaches sustainable business relationships—especially through our growing network of fellow B Corps.
Grove Collaboratives First B Corp Coffee
When Grove Collaborative chose Thanksgiving Coffee as their very first coffee partner, it marked a significant milestone in our 50+ year journey since founding Thanksgiving Coffee in 1972.
This wasn't just another retail partnership—it represented Grove's recognition of our commitment to ethical coffee sourcing and regenerative business practices.
Grove features our coffee with the tagline: "This bag carries more than artisan coffee—it's a vessel of hope, connection, and giving thanks to the Earth." This partnership demonstrates how aligned values create natural B Corp collaborations that extend far beyond traditional business transactions.
Brewing Local Impact with North Coast Brewing Company
North Coast Brewing Company, our neighbor in Fort Bragg, has been independent since 1988. They have built their reputation on quality craft brewing while maintaining strong community ties.
At the 2024 World's Largest Salmon BBQ, their craft beer complemented our artisan coffee, creating a complete North Coast experience that spotlighted the power of place-based partnership.
Raising the Bar with Bonterra Organic Estates
Our partnership with Bonterra Organic Estates, America's #1 organic winery, represents the gold standard of regenerative agriculture collaboration. They've achieved Regenerative Organic Certification, TRUE Zero Waste status, and B Corp certification—proving that excellence and environmental stewardship flourish together.
Salmon Restoration Through Conscious Commerce
The World's Largest Salmon BBQ demonstrates how conscious business partnerships create measurable environmental impact.
Here are the 2024 Results:
- $60,000 raised for salmon restoration
- $40,000 donated to Trout Unlimited's North Coast Coho Project
- 2,500 attendees supporting sustainable practices
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these restoration efforts have resulted in over 15,000 adult coho salmon returning to spawn in Mendocino Coast rivers—in waters that hadn't seen coho salmon for 70 years.
Building Systems Evolution
For over 50 years, Thanksgiving Coffee has operated on the principle that coffee is a medium for connection and positive change. Our B Corp partnerships have shown us how this philosophy extends beyond our coffee supply chain to encompass the entire ecosystem of conscious commerce.
When North Coast Brewing brings their craft beer to the Salmon BBQ, when Bonterra contributes their organic wines, when Grove Collaborative features our coffee as a vessel of hope—we create something none of us could achieve alone.
We're not just selling products; we're building a network of businesses that demonstrate another way forward.
The Ripple Effects of Regenerative Partnerships
The numbers tell part of our story, but the deeper narrative is about amplified impact. Every cup of Thanksgiving Coffee that reaches Grove's customers, every moment of connection at the Salmon BBQ, every dollar raised for stream restoration—these represent the ripple effects of partnerships that prioritize shared prosperity over individual gain.
Looking Ahead: A Business Practice of Care
These partnerships didn't emerge from market analysis—they grew from shared values and mutual recognition of what's possible when businesses align their success with the world's wellbeing. Grove chose us because our story resonates with their mission. North Coast Brewing and Bonterra partner with us because we share commitment to place and values.
Together, we create impact greater than the sum of our parts. We've learned that the company we keep shapes not just our success, but our contribution to a more sustainable world. In choosing B Corp partners who share our commitment to restoration and regeneration, we've proven that business can be a practice of care—for the earth, communities, and the future we're creating together.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Recommended Reading
Back to the Blog-
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg
The Noyo Food Forest is having their annual Earth Day celebration this Saturday at the Learning Garden. This four hour event is a fundraiser for the Farm-to-School and Youth Intern programs that the Noyo Food Forest operates year-round. We partner with the Noyo Food Forest throughout the year, and we especially love being a part of this annual event in Fort Bragg.
15th Annual Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 20, 12 - 4 PM
At the Learning Garden at Fort Bragg High School on Dana Street.This Earth Day event is free and geared toward everyone in the family. There will be live music, and you can participate by putting down a bid for the silent auction, paying entry to bouncy houses, and tasting goodies from local chefs. This is one of the most fun events that happens in the city of Fort Bragg every year. Local organizations and nonprofits are a big part of this event, and you’ll see booths and representatives from the Noyo Marine Science Center, the Mendocino Land Trust, our Mendocino County state parks and many more important parts of the coastal community.
Thanksgiving Coffee will be serving up samples of our Bee Bold Blend, our new Nitro Coffee, and the Noyo Food Forest will be selling 12oz bags, as well. All the proceeds benefit the Noyo Food Forest and their important work here in our community. We are very happy to be a part of this awesome event. For more information, visit the Noyo Food Forest Earth Day page on their website, and RSVP on Facebook to share with your friends. Join us on April 20 – see you at the Learning Garden.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Partnership with the Noyo Food ForestLearn more about how we support our Mother Earth
bee boldEarth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024
read more -
Simplifying to Serve You
The coffee landscape is dramatically different than it was when we began this journey 53 years ago.
In those early days, we built our lineup coffee by coffee — adding blends and single origins as new beans became available and relationships grew. For decades, harvests were plentiful and sourcing was straightforward.
Today, the world of coffee is evolving. Climate shifts, supply chain realities, and changing customer preferences mean we need to be as thoughtful and resourceful as possible to keep doing what we do best: bringing you exceptional coffee with integrity.
Change for the Better
We're streamlining our packaged coffee offerings, starting in September. With a simplified lineup of coffees, we'll focus on the blends and origins we can source consistently, roast with excellence, and deliver to you at the highest possible quality.
By simplifying our offerings, we will:
- Deepen our support for the farmers we work with through more focused purchasing.
- Maintain freshness and quality in every cup we roast.
- Stay nimble in a changing coffee landscape, so we can continue being your favorite coffee company for years to come.
What This Means For You
We know change isn’t always easy — especially when it means saying goodbye to a favorite. But change also creates space for something new.
- Nearly every retiring coffee has a suggested alternative: matched for flavor, roast level, and story.
- All coffees will remain listed on our website, so you can easily find info about alternatives or select a bulk purchase option.
- Cause Coffees: For special details on replacements and recommendations, visit our Cause Coffee page.
- Bulk options: Many coffees will still be available in 5 lb bags, even if they’re not sold in retail-size packaging. We’re happy to share our best practices for keeping coffee fresh in larger quantities.
Find Your Next Favorite Cup
We know you might be wondering, “What will replace my favorite?”
Here’s the list of our retiring coffees with the roasts we recommend in their place — each one carefully matched for flavor, roast, and story.
- ⏳ Albion River Inn Blend → Try Paul’s Blend
- ⏳ Beaujolais Blend → Try Old Town French
- ⏳ Costa Rica → Try Peru
- ⏳ Delicious Peace Dark → Try Mendocino Vienna
- ⏳Delicious Peace Medium → Try Rwanda
- ⏳ Guatemala → Try Song Bird Guatemalan
- ⏳ Hazelnut → Available in 5lb bag
- ⏳ MacCallum House Blend → Try Beaujolais FTO
- ⏳ Mocha Java FTO → Try Mocha Java Classic
- ⏳ Nicaragua → Try Song Bird Nicaragua
- ⏳ Vienna → Try Mendocino Vienna
- ⏳For Cause Coffees →See Cause Coffee Guide
Our Commitment Remains the Same
For over five decades, we’ve been devoted to ethically sourced, artisan roasted coffee — and that will never change. Every decision we make is rooted in our mission:
- Source with integrity
- Roast with care
- Honor the stories behind every coffee bean
Thank you for growing with us, embracing new favorites, and sharing our belief that coffee is more than a drink. It's a daily connection to people, to our planet, and our sense of purpose.
With gratitude since 1972,
The Thanksgiving Coffee Team
You might be interested in...
Sold outSold outSold out
Lavender Grace is the sustainability consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
From the RoasterySimplifying to Serve You Better: A New Chapter in Our Coffee Journey
read more -
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted:
Crafting exceptional coffee experiences since 1972 through sustainable partnerships and masterful roasting
For over 50 years, we've pioneered sustainable coffee sourcing while perfecting the art of small-batch roasting. Every bean tells a story of environmental stewardship, farmer empowerment, and uncompromising quality.
Global Partners
From Nicaragua's misty mountains to Rwanda's vibrant highlands, our decades-long partnerships with farming communities ensure exceptional coffee while promoting sustainable practices.
Environmental Leadership
From pioneering shade-grown certification to planting over 82,800 trees, our commitment to environmental stewardship sets industry standards.
Artisan Roasting
Each small batch is carefully roasted to perfection, bringing out the unique character of every origin while ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.
Farmer Empowerment
Through innovative programs like our cupping labs and Farmers Thriving Index, we ensure our partners thrive while producing exceptional coffee.
Recognition for Excellence
Honoring Exceptional Craft: A Lifetime of Roasting Mastery
Roaster of the year
good food awards
Honors Superior Taste with Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
+ Multiple 90+ Reviews
Our Partner Network
Our multi-generational partnerships with farm communities stretch back decades, cultivating relationships as carefully as we roast our award-winning coffee beans
Corrales Family
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY RELATIONSHIP - LEADERS IN SHADE-GROWN CULTIVATION - CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC PRACTICES - PIONEERS IN REGENERATIVE FARMING
CECOCAFEN
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CUPPING LAB PROJECT PIONEERS - COMMUNITY-DRIVEN COOPERATIVE - MULTI-GENERATIONAL FARMING EXPERTISE
Guaya'b Cooperative
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CERTIFIED BIRD FRIENDLY HABITAT - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION - SMALL FAMILY FARM COOPERATIVE MODEL - CHAMPIONS OF BIODIVERSITY
Experience Our Legacy
Join us in our mission to create exceptional coffee while making a positive impact on communities and the environment
Cupping Lab Revolution
Developed the world's first cupping labs owned and operated by small-scale farmers and cooperatives
State-of-the-art cupping lab development in Nicaragua. Global Impact that enabled the development of 3rd and 4th wave artisan coffee techniques.
Environmental Leadership
First to establish industry-wide sustainability standards
Community Innovation
This isn't just about buying beans; it's about nurturing relationships that transform communities.
Our true measure of success is the lasting impact we create in coffee-growing communities around the world.
We are continuing the legacy of exceptional coffee that makes a difference.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
From the RoasteryEthically Sourced, Artisan Roasted
read more -
A May Invitation: Bees Make the World Bloom
There’s a moment in May when the air begins to hum.
You can feel it in the movement between blossoms, in the soft presence of bees at work, in the quiet unfolding of the season. This is the time when the world leans into bloom.
At Thanksgiving Coffee Company, coffee has always been a way of participating in that living system - connecting farmers, ecosystems, and daily ritual through a shared practice of care.
This May, we celebrate that connection through Bee Bold Medium Roast, a coffee crafted to support pollinator health and the ecosystems that coffee depends on.
Featured Coffee: Bee Bold Medium Roast
Crafted with Care, Connected to Biodiversity
Bee Bold is a vibrant blend of Central & South American and Ethiopian coffees, combining natural and washed processes to create a cup that is both lively and grounded.
In the cup:
- Bright fruit notes
- Deep sweetness
- A smooth, lasting finish
This coffee reflects the kind of sourcing we’ve practiced for decades, working with producers who grow coffee in ways that support biodiversity, soil health, and long-term resilience.
Through every purchase, Bee Bold contributes directly to pollinator protection through our partnership with Conservation Works - helping fund on-the-ground efforts that protect the species essential to our food systems.
Why Bees Matter: The Work Behind the Bloom
Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems - including coffee farms.
When pollinators are present:
- Coffee plants produce more abundant and consistent harvests
- Flavor complexity can improve
- Farms become more resilient over time
When we choose pollinator-friendly coffee, we participate in something much larger than a morning ritual. We help restore the delicate balance that allows life to flourish.
Thanksgiving Coffee's Headquarters is 3 acres of Pollinator Protected Zone.
World Bee Day & The Flower Moon
May carries a constellation of meaning:
- Mother’s Day (May 10): honoring care, nourishment, and life-giving forces
- Endangered Species Day (May 15): recognizing what needs protection
- World Bee Day (May 20): celebrating pollinators
- International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22): protecting the web of life
- Memorial Day (May 26): a time for remembrance and gratitude
The Flower Moon rises in this same window—reminding us that blooming is not an accident. It is the result of relationship, timing, and attention.
The Bee Bold Challenge
This month, we invite you into action. Be a Pollinator Protector!
- 🌱 Plant pollinator-friendly flowers
- 🐝 Support local ecosystems
- 📸 Share your garden or blooms
- 🏷 Tag #BeeBold
Even a small patch of flowers can become a sanctuary.
Small acts, repeated across many places, create real change.
Recipe: Bee Bold Iced Honey Latte
Text
A simple ritual for warm days
Bee Bold Iced Honey Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed Bee Bold Medium Roast (cooled)
- ½ cup milk - your choice
- 1–2 tsp local honey
- A pinch of culinary lavender (optional)
- Ice
Directions:
-
Brew your coffee and allow it to cool
-
Stir in honey while still slightly warm
-
Fill a glass with ice
-
Pour coffee over ice, then add your milk choice
-
Sprinkle lavender gently on top
Taste: floral, smooth, lightly sweet—like spring in a glass
A Closing Reflection
Every cup of coffee is part of a larger system, one that connects land, people, and daily life.
For over fifty years, we’ve worked to build that system with care: through long-term farmer relationships, thoughtful sourcing, and a commitment to quality that honors both our craft and our ecology.
Bee Bold is one expression of that work, supporting pollinators, biodiversity, and the conditions that allow coffee to flourish.
This May, may your cup be part of something that continues to grow.
Lavender Grace Kent is the Director of Brand Narrative and Culture
bee friendly coffeeBee Bold & Blooming: Coffee That Helps the World Flower
read more -
A Cup That Sounds Like the Forest
There’s a moment in the morning, before the day fully arrives, when everything is still soft.
The kettle hums. Light moves through the trees. And when the coffee begins to pour, there’s a feeling, like something living is arriving with it.
Our Songbird Nicaraguan Coffee carries that feeling. This is our shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee, cultivated beneath forest canopy where songbirds still find habitat along their migratory paths.
Bird-friendly coffee is one of the most effective everyday ways to support migratory bird habitat.
And when you brew it, you are part of that living system.
Nicaraguan Farmer in a Shade Grown Coffee Forest
Why Shade Grown Coffee Matters More Than Ever
The forests that sustain migratory birds are under pressure.
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center has spent decades studying and protecting bird migration across the Western Hemisphere. Their work helps make one thing clear: birds need healthy, connected habitat to survive.
Right now, that system is breaking down. Since 1970, bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by 29%, or nearly 3 billion birds. Not only rare species, but common birds too. Backyard birds. Songbirds. The ones many of us grew up hearing.
Birds are indicators of ecological health. When they decline, it tells us something deeper is out of balance.
That is one reason this coffee matters.
For nearly three decades, we’ve partnered with the American Birding Association to help protect that habitat through coffee.
What began as a shared belief, that coffee could be grown in a way that supports bird life, has grown into one of our longest-standing relationships. Together, we’ve supported shade-grown practices that allow forests to remain intact, creating space for migratory birds to rest, feed, and continue their journeys.
This is what bird-friendly coffee makes possible.
What is Shade Grown Coffee?
Shade-grown coffee is coffee grown beneath a diverse canopy of trees instead of in cleared, sun-exposed fields.
This kind of farming helps create:
- habitat for migratory birds
- healthier soil and water systems
- natural biodiversity on the farm
- slower cherry development, which often leads to richer flavor
In simple terms: better habitat supports better coffee.
That has long been part of our understanding at Thanksgiving Coffee. Great coffee and healthy ecosystems belong together.
How do we grow coffee in a way that supports land, people, and ecosystems together?
A Legacy of Environmental Leadership
This work didn’t begin recently at Thanksgiving Coffee.
In the early years of specialty coffee, our team helped establish the first Environmental Committee within the Specialty Coffee Association of America - what today would be recognized as an early form of a sustainability committee in the coffee industry.
At the time, the language was different. But the intention was clear: to bring ecological responsibility into how coffee is grown, sourced, and shared.
Paul and Joan Katzeff worked across farmers, cooperatives, and industry leaders to help connect people around a shared understanding that coffee exists within a living system.
Today, many call this coffee sustainability leadership.
At its root, it was something simpler: whole systems thinking.
That:
- coffee quality is connected to farmer wellbeing
- farmer wellbeing is connected to ecosystem health
- ecosystem health is connected to how we all participate
This has never been separate from the coffee. It is the coffee.
Where Coffee Sustainability Began: A Whole Systems Approach
Long before sustainability became standard language in coffee, it began as a question of relationship.
How do we grow coffee in a way that supports land, people, and ecosystems together?
This question guided early collaboration across the industry - bringing together farmers, environmental advocates, and coffee professionals to think beyond the cup.
From extraction to relationship.
From product to system.
From short-term yield to long-term vitality.That shift continues to shape coffee today.
Meet the Coffee: Songbird Nicaraguan
Tasting Notes
Cocoa richness
Gentle citrus brightness
Smooth, balanced finishOrigin
Nicaragua, sourced through long-standing cooperative partnershipsRoast
Medium roast, crafted for clarity and body👉 Shop Songbird Nicaraguan Coffee
Part of our Songbird Coffee line, developed in partnership with the American Birding Association, this coffee reflects nearly 30 years of shared commitment to protecting bird habitat through shade-grown farming. It’s a relationship built slowly, like forests themselves.
Brewing Habitat: A Daily Ritual
There are large challenges in the world.
And there are daily practices that quietly shape what comes next.
When you choose bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee, you are supporting:
- forest ecosystems
- migratory bird pathways
- farmers working in balance with the land
It is not abstract.
It is immediate.
It is in your cup.Watch how habitat, birds, and coffee are connected across continents.
Recipe: Citrus Bloom Cold Brew
A bright, floral expression of Songbird Nicaraguan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground Songbird Nicaraguan coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- zest of 1 orange
- 1–2 teaspoons wildflower honey
- ice
Directions
- Steep coffee and water for 12–16 hours in the refrigerator
- Strain slowly
- Add orange zest and honey
- Serve over ice
Citrus cold brew coffee with orange zest and honey
7 Ways to Support Songbirds,
Starting With Your Cup
The good news is this: while the challenges are real, there are meaningful ways to help.
- Choose Bird-Friendly Coffee. More than 70 species of migratory songbirds depend on coffee farms for habitat. Shade-grown coffee helps preserve that habitat.
-
Plant Native Species. Even small spaces can provide food and shelter for birds.
-
Avoid Pesticides. Reducing chemical use supports birds and the ecosystems they rely on.
-
Make Windows Safer. Simple changes can reduce bird collisions.
-
Keep Cats Indoors. Protects both birds and pets.
-
Reduce Single-Use Plastics. Supports broader ecosystem health.
- Pay Attention. Noticing birds is part of protecting them.
Start With the Cup
Brew coffee that protects habitat. Let that choice ripple outward.
Earth Month: A Moment to Choose Differently
April brings us back into awareness:
- Earth Month (April)
- Earth Day (April 22)
- Arbor Day (April 24)
These are reminders, and also invitations.
The future of birds, forests, and farming systems is shaped by everyday choices.
From Forest to Cup
From the highlands of Nicaragua to your kitchen, there is a thread.
Birds in motion.
Farmers tending trees.
Water, soil, and time.And you.
Not just a cup, but a living system that is held for a moment in your hands.
FAQ Section
What is bird-friendly coffee?
Coffee grown under forest canopy that supports bird habitat and biodiversity.
Why is shade-grown coffee important?
It protects ecosystems, supports wildlife, and improves coffee quality.
What is a sustainability committee in coffee?
Today, sustainability committees guide environmental and social practices. This work began with early environmental leadership efforts in specialty coffee, including the first Environmental Committee.
How can I support bird-friendly coffee?
Choose shade-grown coffee, reduce pesticides, plant native species, and support responsible sourcing. From Forest to CupBring the Forest Home
Brew with intention.
Choose shade-grown coffee.
Share your ritual.
Lavender Grace Kent is the Director of Brand Narrative and Culture
shade grownSongbirds of the Forest: Brewing Habitat in Every Cup
read more
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg
The Noyo Food Forest is having their annual Earth Day celebration this Saturday at the Learning Garden. This four hour event is a fundraiser for the Farm-to-School and Youth Intern programs that the Noyo Food Forest operates year-round. We partner with the Noyo Food Forest throughout the year, and we especially love being a part of this annual event in Fort Bragg.
15th Annual Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 20, 12 - 4 PM
At the Learning Garden at Fort Bragg High School on Dana Street.
This Earth Day event is free and geared toward everyone in the family. There will be live music, and you can participate by putting down a bid for the silent auction, paying entry to bouncy houses, and tasting goodies from local chefs. This is one of the most fun events that happens in the city of Fort Bragg every year. Local organizations and nonprofits are a big part of this event, and you’ll see booths and representatives from the Noyo Marine Science Center, the Mendocino Land Trust, our Mendocino County state parks and many more important parts of the coastal community.
Thanksgiving Coffee will be serving up samples of our Bee Bold Blend, our new Nitro Coffee, and the Noyo Food Forest will be selling 12oz bags, as well. All the proceeds benefit the Noyo Food Forest and their important work here in our community. We are very happy to be a part of this awesome event. For more information, visit the Noyo Food Forest Earth Day page on their website, and RSVP on Facebook to share with your friends. Join us on April 20 – see you at the Learning Garden.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Partnership with the Noyo Food Forest
Learn more about how we support our Mother Earth
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024
read more
Simplifying to Serve You
The coffee landscape is dramatically different than it was when we began this journey 53 years ago.
In those early days, we built our lineup coffee by coffee — adding blends and single origins as new beans became available and relationships grew. For decades, harvests were plentiful and sourcing was straightforward.
Today, the world of coffee is evolving. Climate shifts, supply chain realities, and changing customer preferences mean we need to be as thoughtful and resourceful as possible to keep doing what we do best: bringing you exceptional coffee with integrity.
Change for the Better
We're streamlining our packaged coffee offerings, starting in September. With a simplified lineup of coffees, we'll focus on the blends and origins we can source consistently, roast with excellence, and deliver to you at the highest possible quality.
By simplifying our offerings, we will:
- Deepen our support for the farmers we work with through more focused purchasing.
- Maintain freshness and quality in every cup we roast.
- Stay nimble in a changing coffee landscape, so we can continue being your favorite coffee company for years to come.
What This Means For You
We know change isn’t always easy — especially when it means saying goodbye to a favorite. But change also creates space for something new.
- Nearly every retiring coffee has a suggested alternative: matched for flavor, roast level, and story.
- All coffees will remain listed on our website, so you can easily find info about alternatives or select a bulk purchase option.
- Cause Coffees: For special details on replacements and recommendations, visit our Cause Coffee page.
- Bulk options: Many coffees will still be available in 5 lb bags, even if they’re not sold in retail-size packaging. We’re happy to share our best practices for keeping coffee fresh in larger quantities.
Find Your Next Favorite Cup
We know you might be wondering, “What will replace my favorite?”
Here’s the list of our retiring coffees with the roasts we recommend in their place — each one carefully matched for flavor, roast, and story.
- ⏳ Albion River Inn Blend → Try Paul’s Blend
- ⏳ Beaujolais Blend → Try Old Town French
- ⏳ Costa Rica → Try Peru
- ⏳ Delicious Peace Dark → Try Mendocino Vienna
- ⏳Delicious Peace Medium → Try Rwanda
- ⏳ Guatemala → Try Song Bird Guatemalan
- ⏳ Hazelnut → Available in 5lb bag
- ⏳ MacCallum House Blend → Try Beaujolais FTO
- ⏳ Mocha Java FTO → Try Mocha Java Classic
- ⏳ Nicaragua → Try Song Bird Nicaragua
- ⏳ Vienna → Try Mendocino Vienna
- ⏳For Cause Coffees →See Cause Coffee Guide
Our Commitment Remains the Same
For over five decades, we’ve been devoted to ethically sourced, artisan roasted coffee — and that will never change. Every decision we make is rooted in our mission:
- Source with integrity
- Roast with care
- Honor the stories behind every coffee bean
Thank you for growing with us, embracing new favorites, and sharing our belief that coffee is more than a drink. It's a daily connection to people, to our planet, and our sense of purpose.
With gratitude since 1972,
The Thanksgiving Coffee Team
You might be interested in...
Lavender Grace is the sustainability consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Simplifying to Serve You Better: A New Chapter in Our Coffee Journey
read more
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted:
Crafting exceptional coffee experiences since 1972 through sustainable partnerships and masterful roasting
For over 50 years, we've pioneered sustainable coffee sourcing while perfecting the art of small-batch roasting. Every bean tells a story of environmental stewardship, farmer empowerment, and uncompromising quality.
Global Partners
From Nicaragua's misty mountains to Rwanda's vibrant highlands, our decades-long partnerships with farming communities ensure exceptional coffee while promoting sustainable practices.
Environmental Leadership
From pioneering shade-grown certification to planting over 82,800 trees, our commitment to environmental stewardship sets industry standards.
Artisan Roasting
Each small batch is carefully roasted to perfection, bringing out the unique character of every origin while ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.
Farmer Empowerment
Through innovative programs like our cupping labs and Farmers Thriving Index, we ensure our partners thrive while producing exceptional coffee.
Recognition for Excellence
Honoring Exceptional Craft: A Lifetime of Roasting Mastery
Roaster of the year
good food awards
Honors Superior Taste with Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
+ Multiple 90+ Reviews
Our Partner Network
Our multi-generational partnerships with farm communities stretch back decades, cultivating relationships as carefully as we roast our award-winning coffee beans
Corrales Family
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY RELATIONSHIP - LEADERS IN SHADE-GROWN CULTIVATION - CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC PRACTICES - PIONEERS IN REGENERATIVE FARMING
CECOCAFEN
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CUPPING LAB PROJECT PIONEERS - COMMUNITY-DRIVEN COOPERATIVE - MULTI-GENERATIONAL FARMING EXPERTISE
Guaya'b Cooperative
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CERTIFIED BIRD FRIENDLY HABITAT - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION - SMALL FAMILY FARM COOPERATIVE MODEL - CHAMPIONS OF BIODIVERSITY
Experience Our Legacy
Join us in our mission to create exceptional coffee while making a positive impact on communities and the environment
Cupping Lab Revolution
Developed the world's first cupping labs owned and operated by small-scale farmers and cooperatives
State-of-the-art cupping lab development in Nicaragua. Global Impact that enabled the development of 3rd and 4th wave artisan coffee techniques.
Environmental Leadership
First to establish industry-wide sustainability standards
Community Innovation
This isn't just about buying beans; it's about nurturing relationships that transform communities.
Our true measure of success is the lasting impact we create in coffee-growing communities around the world.
We are continuing the legacy of exceptional coffee that makes a difference.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted
read more
A May Invitation: Bees Make the World Bloom
There’s a moment in May when the air begins to hum.
You can feel it in the movement between blossoms, in the soft presence of bees at work, in the quiet unfolding of the season. This is the time when the world leans into bloom.
At Thanksgiving Coffee Company, coffee has always been a way of participating in that living system - connecting farmers, ecosystems, and daily ritual through a shared practice of care.
This May, we celebrate that connection through Bee Bold Medium Roast, a coffee crafted to support pollinator health and the ecosystems that coffee depends on.
Featured Coffee: Bee Bold Medium Roast
Crafted with Care, Connected to Biodiversity
Bee Bold is a vibrant blend of Central & South American and Ethiopian coffees, combining natural and washed processes to create a cup that is both lively and grounded.
In the cup:
- Bright fruit notes
- Deep sweetness
- A smooth, lasting finish
This coffee reflects the kind of sourcing we’ve practiced for decades, working with producers who grow coffee in ways that support biodiversity, soil health, and long-term resilience.
Through every purchase, Bee Bold contributes directly to pollinator protection through our partnership with Conservation Works - helping fund on-the-ground efforts that protect the species essential to our food systems.
Why Bees Matter: The Work Behind the Bloom
Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems - including coffee farms.
When pollinators are present:
- Coffee plants produce more abundant and consistent harvests
- Flavor complexity can improve
- Farms become more resilient over time
When we choose pollinator-friendly coffee, we participate in something much larger than a morning ritual. We help restore the delicate balance that allows life to flourish.
Thanksgiving Coffee's Headquarters is 3 acres of Pollinator Protected Zone.
World Bee Day & The Flower Moon
May carries a constellation of meaning:
- Mother’s Day (May 10): honoring care, nourishment, and life-giving forces
- Endangered Species Day (May 15): recognizing what needs protection
- World Bee Day (May 20): celebrating pollinators
- International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22): protecting the web of life
- Memorial Day (May 26): a time for remembrance and gratitude
The Flower Moon rises in this same window—reminding us that blooming is not an accident. It is the result of relationship, timing, and attention.
The Bee Bold Challenge
This month, we invite you into action. Be a Pollinator Protector!
- 🌱 Plant pollinator-friendly flowers
- 🐝 Support local ecosystems
- 📸 Share your garden or blooms
- 🏷 Tag #BeeBold
Even a small patch of flowers can become a sanctuary.
Small acts, repeated across many places, create real change.
Recipe: Bee Bold Iced Honey Latte
Text
A simple ritual for warm days
Bee Bold Iced Honey Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed Bee Bold Medium Roast (cooled)
- ½ cup milk - your choice
- 1–2 tsp local honey
- A pinch of culinary lavender (optional)
- Ice
Directions:
-
Brew your coffee and allow it to cool
-
Stir in honey while still slightly warm
-
Fill a glass with ice
-
Pour coffee over ice, then add your milk choice
-
Sprinkle lavender gently on top
Taste: floral, smooth, lightly sweet—like spring in a glass
A Closing Reflection
Every cup of coffee is part of a larger system, one that connects land, people, and daily life.
For over fifty years, we’ve worked to build that system with care: through long-term farmer relationships, thoughtful sourcing, and a commitment to quality that honors both our craft and our ecology.
Bee Bold is one expression of that work, supporting pollinators, biodiversity, and the conditions that allow coffee to flourish.
This May, may your cup be part of something that continues to grow.
Lavender Grace Kent is the Director of Brand Narrative and Culture
Bee Bold & Blooming: Coffee That Helps the World Flower
read more
A Cup That Sounds Like the Forest
There’s a moment in the morning, before the day fully arrives, when everything is still soft.
The kettle hums. Light moves through the trees. And when the coffee begins to pour, there’s a feeling, like something living is arriving with it.
Our Songbird Nicaraguan Coffee carries that feeling. This is our shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee, cultivated beneath forest canopy where songbirds still find habitat along their migratory paths.
Bird-friendly coffee is one of the most effective everyday ways to support migratory bird habitat.
And when you brew it, you are part of that living system.
Nicaraguan Farmer in a Shade Grown Coffee Forest
Why Shade Grown Coffee Matters More Than Ever
The forests that sustain migratory birds are under pressure.
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center has spent decades studying and protecting bird migration across the Western Hemisphere. Their work helps make one thing clear: birds need healthy, connected habitat to survive.
Right now, that system is breaking down. Since 1970, bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by 29%, or nearly 3 billion birds. Not only rare species, but common birds too. Backyard birds. Songbirds. The ones many of us grew up hearing.
Birds are indicators of ecological health. When they decline, it tells us something deeper is out of balance.
That is one reason this coffee matters.
For nearly three decades, we’ve partnered with the American Birding Association to help protect that habitat through coffee.
What began as a shared belief, that coffee could be grown in a way that supports bird life, has grown into one of our longest-standing relationships. Together, we’ve supported shade-grown practices that allow forests to remain intact, creating space for migratory birds to rest, feed, and continue their journeys.
This is what bird-friendly coffee makes possible.
What is Shade Grown Coffee?
Shade-grown coffee is coffee grown beneath a diverse canopy of trees instead of in cleared, sun-exposed fields.
This kind of farming helps create:
- habitat for migratory birds
- healthier soil and water systems
- natural biodiversity on the farm
- slower cherry development, which often leads to richer flavor
In simple terms: better habitat supports better coffee.
That has long been part of our understanding at Thanksgiving Coffee. Great coffee and healthy ecosystems belong together.
How do we grow coffee in a way that supports land, people, and ecosystems together?
A Legacy of Environmental Leadership
This work didn’t begin recently at Thanksgiving Coffee.
In the early years of specialty coffee, our team helped establish the first Environmental Committee within the Specialty Coffee Association of America - what today would be recognized as an early form of a sustainability committee in the coffee industry.
At the time, the language was different. But the intention was clear: to bring ecological responsibility into how coffee is grown, sourced, and shared.
Paul and Joan Katzeff worked across farmers, cooperatives, and industry leaders to help connect people around a shared understanding that coffee exists within a living system.
Today, many call this coffee sustainability leadership.
At its root, it was something simpler: whole systems thinking.
That:
- coffee quality is connected to farmer wellbeing
- farmer wellbeing is connected to ecosystem health
- ecosystem health is connected to how we all participate
This has never been separate from the coffee. It is the coffee.
Where Coffee Sustainability Began: A Whole Systems Approach
Long before sustainability became standard language in coffee, it began as a question of relationship.
How do we grow coffee in a way that supports land, people, and ecosystems together?
This question guided early collaboration across the industry - bringing together farmers, environmental advocates, and coffee professionals to think beyond the cup.
From extraction to relationship.
From product to system.
From short-term yield to long-term vitality.
That shift continues to shape coffee today.
Meet the Coffee: Songbird Nicaraguan
Tasting Notes
Cocoa richness
Gentle citrus brightness
Smooth, balanced finish
Origin
Nicaragua, sourced through long-standing cooperative partnerships
Roast
Medium roast, crafted for clarity and body
👉 Shop Songbird Nicaraguan Coffee
Part of our Songbird Coffee line, developed in partnership with the American Birding Association, this coffee reflects nearly 30 years of shared commitment to protecting bird habitat through shade-grown farming. It’s a relationship built slowly, like forests themselves.
Brewing Habitat: A Daily Ritual
There are large challenges in the world.
And there are daily practices that quietly shape what comes next.
When you choose bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee, you are supporting:
- forest ecosystems
- migratory bird pathways
- farmers working in balance with the land
It is not abstract.
It is immediate.
It is in your cup.
Watch how habitat, birds, and coffee are connected across continents.
Recipe: Citrus Bloom Cold Brew
A bright, floral expression of Songbird Nicaraguan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground Songbird Nicaraguan coffee
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- zest of 1 orange
- 1–2 teaspoons wildflower honey
- ice
Directions
- Steep coffee and water for 12–16 hours in the refrigerator
- Strain slowly
- Add orange zest and honey
- Serve over ice
Citrus cold brew coffee with orange zest and honey
7 Ways to Support Songbirds,
Starting With Your Cup
The good news is this: while the challenges are real, there are meaningful ways to help.
- Choose Bird-Friendly Coffee. More than 70 species of migratory songbirds depend on coffee farms for habitat. Shade-grown coffee helps preserve that habitat.
-
Plant Native Species. Even small spaces can provide food and shelter for birds.
-
Avoid Pesticides. Reducing chemical use supports birds and the ecosystems they rely on.
-
Make Windows Safer. Simple changes can reduce bird collisions.
-
Keep Cats Indoors. Protects both birds and pets.
-
Reduce Single-Use Plastics. Supports broader ecosystem health.
- Pay Attention. Noticing birds is part of protecting them.
Start With the Cup
Brew coffee that protects habitat. Let that choice ripple outward.
Earth Month: A Moment to Choose Differently
April brings us back into awareness:
- Earth Month (April)
- Earth Day (April 22)
- Arbor Day (April 24)
These are reminders, and also invitations.
The future of birds, forests, and farming systems is shaped by everyday choices.
From Forest to Cup
From the highlands of Nicaragua to your kitchen, there is a thread.
Birds in motion.
Farmers tending trees.
Water, soil, and time.
And you.
Not just a cup, but a living system that is held for a moment in your hands.
FAQ Section
What is bird-friendly coffee?
Coffee grown under forest canopy that supports bird habitat and biodiversity.
Why is shade-grown coffee important?
It protects ecosystems, supports wildlife, and improves coffee quality.
What is a sustainability committee in coffee?
Today, sustainability committees guide environmental and social practices. This work began with early environmental leadership efforts in specialty coffee, including the first Environmental Committee.
How can I support bird-friendly coffee?
Choose shade-grown coffee, reduce pesticides, plant native species, and support responsible sourcing. From Forest to Cup
Bring the Forest Home
Brew with intention.
Choose shade-grown coffee.
Share your ritual.
Lavender Grace Kent is the Director of Brand Narrative and Culture
Songbirds of the Forest: Brewing Habitat in Every Cup
read more
The Just Cup of Her Hands
There are hands behind every coffee harvest.
Hands that plant seedlings beneath shade trees.
Hands that sort cherries at dusk.
Hands that manage homes, finances, children, and crops.
Hands that rarely make the headlines.
This March, during Women’s History Month, we honor the women who quite literally brew the future.
Our featured coffee is Flor de Jinotega, grown by the women and families of the SOPPEXCCA Cooperative in Nicaragua. This single origin is available in 5lb format for foodservice and serious home brewers, this coffee represents something steady and powerful: economic dignity rooted in community.
This is shade-grown Nicaraguan coffee cultivated under diverse canopy trees. Those trees do more than protect flavor. They provide winter habitat for migratory songbirds and preserve soil integrity for future generations.
We have long believed that quality of life and quality of coffee go hand in hand. When farmers thrive, flavor deepens.
Origin: Jinotega, Nicaragua
Producer: SOPPEXCCA Cooperative
Growing Method: Shade-grown
Roast: Medium
Flavor Profile
Cocoa warmth
Soft citrus brightness
Balanced sweetness
A grounded, elegant finish
Women In Coffee Farming:
Recognizing The Unpaid Work
Across Latin America, women perform critical agricultural labor while also carrying the majority of unpaid household work. Historically, much of that contribution has not been financially recognized.
SOPPEXCCA has worked intentionally to change this dynamic.
Through Fairtrade premiums and internal cooperative programs, they invest in:
- Women’s leadership roles within the cooperative
- Access to land titles
- Financial literacy training
- Micro-loan opportunities
- Educational advancement for children
This is not symbolic empowerment. It is structural empowerment.
And when women gain economic agency, farms become more resilient. Environmental stewardship strengthens. Communities stabilize.
That alignment between social justice and ecological care reflects the very heart of our founding philosophy.
Recipe: Cardamom Rose Coffee Cake
Made with Flor de Jinotega
This cake mirrors the coffee’s balance with floral lift, warm spice, grounded sweetness.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup raw sugar
1 cup brewed Flor de Jinotega (cooled)
½ cup yogurt
2 eggs
1 tsp crushed cardamom
1 tbsp culinary rosewater
½ cup olive oil
Pinch sea salt
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8–9 inch pan.
Whisk eggs and sugar until slightly lightened. Add olive oil, yogurt, cooled coffee, and rosewater.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cardamom, and salt. Fold into wet ingredients gently, just until combined.
Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Rest 10 minutes before removing.
Optional Finish
Drizzle with a light almond glaze or scatter sliced almonds before baking for a subtle crunch.
Serve warm with a fresh cup of Flor de Jinotega. The cocoa and citrus notes carry the spice beautifully.
Spring Equinox & Renewal
March 20 marks the Spring Equinox — a moment of balance between light and dark.
There is something fitting about pairing that moment with a coffee grown under shade canopy, where light filters through branches in measured generosity.
Women in coffee farming embody that balance daily, production and protection, leadership and care, labor and love.
All Blends: Brewing Community Together
While Flor de Jinotega is our March spotlight, we also invite you to explore our full collection of coffee blends:
Each roast represents long-term partnership and artisanal roasting rooted in Mendocino’s coastal legacy.
Flor de Jinotega is currently available in 5lb format — ideal for cafés, offices, restaurants, and serious home brewers who believe coffee should carry meaning.
Why It Matters
More than 125 million people globally depend on coffee farming for their livelihood. When we center women in that equation, we strengthen the entire system.
This is what we mean when we say we are brewing a movement of justice, sustainability, and hope
Women brew the future.
We simply help tell the story.
👉 Brew With Us
• Shop Flor de Jinotega (5lb)
• Explore all Thanksgiving Coffee blends
• Share your brew on Instagram during Women’s History Month
• Tag us for a chance to be featured
Because every just cup begins in someone’s hands.
Lavender Grace Kent - Director of Brand Narrative & Culture