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B Corp Coffee Partnerships: How Conscious Collaboration Drives Environmental Impact
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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.
"North Coast Coho Project" in the Noyo River watershed when completed will provide access to 2.6 miles of upstream salmon habitat for spawning and rearing.
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.
The salmon returning to Mendocino Coast rivers after 70 years remind us that restoration is possible through collaborative effort.
Similarly, our growing B Corp network demonstrates that business can be a force for healing rather than harm.
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
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
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![Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024]()
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
Earth Day Event in Fort Bragg 2024
read more -
![Simplifying to Serve You Better: A New Chapter in Our Coffee Journey]()
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
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Simplifying to Serve You Better: A New Chapter in Our Coffee Journey
read more -
![Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted]()
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
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted
read more -
![A Just Cup: The Story Behind the First Environmental Committee in Specialty Coffee]()
In the early years of specialty coffee, before “sustainability” was a familiar word, a handful of roasters and importers began to ask for more of the coffee trade. What if quality wasn’t just in the cup, but in the care behind it? What if environmental responsibility and economic fairness were part of the definition of great coffee?
A Just Cup: The Story Behind the First Environmental Committee in Specialty Coffee
This is the story of how those questions led to the creation of the first Environmental Committee within the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) - and how one small roaster on the Mendocino Coast helped spark that shift. Thanksgiving Coffee Company's co-founder Paul Katzeff was among those early voices. His journey began with a simple desire to source flavorful beans and quickly evolved into something much deeper.
Paul Katzeff in the early days with original coffee roaster
From Flavor to Justice: Nicaragua, 1985
In 1985, Paul traveled to Nicaragua at the request of a nurse who had returned from the war zone with a sample of coffee and a plea: support small-scale farmers by helping them sell their crop. At the time, Paul was President of the newly formed SCAA and still searching for “the perfect cup.”
But once he arrived in the mountains, what he witnessed changed him forever: families living without electricity or clean water, cooking in smoke-filled homes, doing their best to survive. “Coffee flavor was no longer my obsession,” Paul later said. “I came home and changed our motto from ‘In Search of the Perfect Cup’ to ‘Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup.’”
What began as a sourcing trip became a calling.
Women cooking in Nicaragua Photo by Paul Katzeff
Roasting Coffee, Nicaragua style, 1985
Elder Grinding Coffee - photo by Paul Katzeff
Paul Playing Ball, Nicagarua 1985
Rewriting the Rules of Trade
After President Reagan imposed an embargo on Nicaragua, Paul rerouted coffee shipments through Canada, where a Fair Trade roaster helped him finish the coffee and legally import it to the U.S. He then launched one of the first cause-driven blends: Café por la Paz (Coffee for Peace), donating 25 cents from every bag to support farming cooperatives in Nicaragua.
These weren’t marketing strategies. They were moral commitments, rooted in firsthand experience and a belief that business could be a tool for justice.
“We didn’t call it sustainability,” Paul recalls. “We just did the work.”
From Observation to Action
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Thanksgiving Coffee took concrete environmental action.
- We financed the planting of 75,000 shade trees in Ethiopia through Trees for the Future.
- We converted our delivery fleet to biodiesel, the first commercial fleet in California to do so.
- Our team paid attention to soil health, biodiversity, and forest preservation before there were certifications that would then require it.
The company soon began receiving awards and recognition for our work.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company and Delivery Van circa 1990's
Solidaridad Coop, Shade Grown Song Bird Coffee Farmers - Nicaragua 1996 photo by Paul Katzeff
Beyond Organics: A New Framework
In 1996, Paul presented a groundbreaking green coffee buying framework at the first Sustainability and Coffee Conference hosted by the Smithsonian. Called “Beyond Organics,” the system recognized a range of environmental and social practices: shade-grown coffee, indigenous land stewardship, cooperative participation, biodiversity protection, and more.
The idea was simple: not all progress looks the same, but every step matters.
Read Original Green Buying Criteria here
Building a Committee with a Conscience
As more members of the SCAA began asking hard questions, Paul and a handful of allies proposed forming the first Environmental Committee. It was an uphill battle.
“There was resistance,” Paul admits. “Many in the industry believed a trade association wasn’t the place for politics or activism. But we weren’t pushing politics. We were elevating values.”
That committee—eventually renamed the Sustainability Committee—brought structure, credibility, and accountability to the growing movement. It evaluated certifications, supported origin-based initiatives, and helped small brands tell honest, impactful stories.
2000: A Defining Year
When Paul chaired the SCAA’s 12th Annual Conference in San Francisco, he centered the event around three themes: Quality, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility. It marked a turning point.
During his keynote, he challenged the industry to consider the human cost of low coffee prices. He announced a USAID grant to build cupping labs in Nicaragua, giving farmers tools to taste, evaluate, and price their own coffee for the first time.
The message was clear: coffee is about people.
Paul with a Campasino and connecting with the children of Nicaragua
What We Built Together
Since then, the specialty coffee industry has changed. Terms like fair trade, carbon-neutral, and regenerative are more common. But behind those terms are decades of work from small companies like ours.
Thanksgiving Coffee:
- Supported origin cooperatives through financial transparency
- Donated to reforestation and clean water initiatives
- Converted our delivery fleet to biofuel
- Featured farmers on our packaging before it was common practice
- Advocated for certifications with rigor, not shortcuts
Why This Story Matters
As the coffee industry continues to face global challenges such as climate change, greenwashing, and pricing instability - it helps to remember where the values came from.
We share this story to honor the path we’ve walked with our partners, our customers, and our peers. We’re still learning. We’re still evolving. And we’re still committed to using coffee as a tool for possibility.
Shop the Coffees That Carry This Legacy
Paul’s Blend – Founders’ Legacy Roast
A bold, meaningful medium-dark roast named for our co-founder, honoring 50+ years of leadership in coffee and justice.Or Try the Origin Masters
These small-lot coffees are from pioneering cooperatives including: UCA Miraflor and CECOCAFEN
the co-architects of the world’s first farmer-owned cupping labs.Sold outSold outSold out
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
A Just Cup: The Story Behind the First Environmental Committee in Specialty Coffee
read more -
![Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact]()
Taste the Bright Future of Coffee
Our Rwanda Single Origin offers more than just incredible flavor—it’s a coffee that supports community resilience. Grown at high elevations in Musasa, Rwanda, by the Dukunde Kawa Cooperative.This medium roast delivers:- Tasting Notes: Vibrant citrus, delicate florals, and a smooth honey finish
- Mouthfeel: Silky and refreshing, with a bright, clean finish
- Perfect for: Pour over, drip, or French press—ideal for your morning clarity ritual
Rwanda Single Origin Coffee with citrus, floral, and honey tasting notes from Dukunde Kawa.
Why Dukunde Kawa Coffee Matters
Dukunde Kawa means “Let’s love coffee”—a name that reflects their commitment to people, planet, and flavor. This Rwandan cooperative is internationally recognized for combining exceptional quality with climate action.
Here's what climate resilience in action looks like:- 2,500+ clean cook stoves installed, reducing wood use by 70%
- Tree nurseries restoring biodiversity and combating soil erosion
- Women’s leadership with 80% women participation at the Ruli washing station
Every bag of Rwanda Single Origin supports these impactful programs, making every cup an act of regeneration and reciprocity.
Sources: Dukunde Kawa Sustainability Programs and Thanksgiving Coffee Dukunde Kawa Story
Rwanda Coffee Farm
Brew a Better Morning, Support a Better Future
Every time you brew Rwanda Single Origin, you:- Support healthier homes with clean cook stove initiatives
- Restore forests and farms through reforestation efforts
- Empower women farmers, nurturing local leadership
Recipe: Cold Brew for Summer Brightness
Show off the bright notes of Rwanda Single Origin with this easy cold brew:- Coarse grind 1 cup of beans
- Steep in 4 cups of filtered water for 12-14 hours
- Serve over ice with a twist of fresh orange peel
Refreshing, vibrant, and perfect for a summer coffee ritual.
Explore More Flavor Stories
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Advocate for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact
read more
![Learn](<a%20href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Contra_commandas_1987.jpg">Contra%20Commandas%201987</a>){kind=link}
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
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
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
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted
read more
In the early years of specialty coffee, before “sustainability” was a familiar word, a handful of roasters and importers began to ask for more of the coffee trade. What if quality wasn’t just in the cup, but in the care behind it? What if environmental responsibility and economic fairness were part of the definition of great coffee?
A Just Cup: The Story Behind the First Environmental Committee in Specialty Coffee
This is the story of how those questions led to the creation of the first Environmental Committee within the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) - and how one small roaster on the Mendocino Coast helped spark that shift. Thanksgiving Coffee Company's co-founder Paul Katzeff was among those early voices. His journey began with a simple desire to source flavorful beans and quickly evolved into something much deeper.
Paul Katzeff in the early days with original coffee roaster
From Flavor to Justice: Nicaragua, 1985
In 1985, Paul traveled to Nicaragua at the request of a nurse who had returned from the war zone with a sample of coffee and a plea: support small-scale farmers by helping them sell their crop. At the time, Paul was President of the newly formed SCAA and still searching for “the perfect cup.”
But once he arrived in the mountains, what he witnessed changed him forever: families living without electricity or clean water, cooking in smoke-filled homes, doing their best to survive. “Coffee flavor was no longer my obsession,” Paul later said. “I came home and changed our motto from ‘In Search of the Perfect Cup’ to ‘Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup.’”
What began as a sourcing trip became a calling.
Women cooking in Nicaragua Photo by Paul Katzeff
Roasting Coffee, Nicaragua style, 1985
Elder Grinding Coffee - photo by Paul Katzeff
Paul Playing Ball, Nicagarua 1985
Rewriting the Rules of Trade
After President Reagan imposed an embargo on Nicaragua, Paul rerouted coffee shipments through Canada, where a Fair Trade roaster helped him finish the coffee and legally import it to the U.S. He then launched one of the first cause-driven blends: Café por la Paz (Coffee for Peace), donating 25 cents from every bag to support farming cooperatives in Nicaragua.
These weren’t marketing strategies. They were moral commitments, rooted in firsthand experience and a belief that business could be a tool for justice.
“We didn’t call it sustainability,” Paul recalls. “We just did the work.”
From Observation to Action
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Thanksgiving Coffee took concrete environmental action.
- We financed the planting of 75,000 shade trees in Ethiopia through Trees for the Future.
- We converted our delivery fleet to biodiesel, the first commercial fleet in California to do so.
- Our team paid attention to soil health, biodiversity, and forest preservation before there were certifications that would then require it.
The company soon began receiving awards and recognition for our work.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company and Delivery Van circa 1990's
Solidaridad Coop, Shade Grown Song Bird Coffee Farmers - Nicaragua 1996 photo by Paul Katzeff
Beyond Organics: A New Framework
In 1996, Paul presented a groundbreaking green coffee buying framework at the first Sustainability and Coffee Conference hosted by the Smithsonian. Called “Beyond Organics,” the system recognized a range of environmental and social practices: shade-grown coffee, indigenous land stewardship, cooperative participation, biodiversity protection, and more.
The idea was simple: not all progress looks the same, but every step matters.
Read Original Green Buying Criteria here
Building a Committee with a Conscience
As more members of the SCAA began asking hard questions, Paul and a handful of allies proposed forming the first Environmental Committee. It was an uphill battle.
“There was resistance,” Paul admits. “Many in the industry believed a trade association wasn’t the place for politics or activism. But we weren’t pushing politics. We were elevating values.”
That committee—eventually renamed the Sustainability Committee—brought structure, credibility, and accountability to the growing movement. It evaluated certifications, supported origin-based initiatives, and helped small brands tell honest, impactful stories.
2000: A Defining Year
When Paul chaired the SCAA’s 12th Annual Conference in San Francisco, he centered the event around three themes: Quality, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility. It marked a turning point.
During his keynote, he challenged the industry to consider the human cost of low coffee prices. He announced a USAID grant to build cupping labs in Nicaragua, giving farmers tools to taste, evaluate, and price their own coffee for the first time.
The message was clear: coffee is about people.
Paul with a Campasino and connecting with the children of Nicaragua
What We Built Together
Since then, the specialty coffee industry has changed. Terms like fair trade, carbon-neutral, and regenerative are more common. But behind those terms are decades of work from small companies like ours.
Thanksgiving Coffee:
- Supported origin cooperatives through financial transparency
- Donated to reforestation and clean water initiatives
- Converted our delivery fleet to biofuel
- Featured farmers on our packaging before it was common practice
- Advocated for certifications with rigor, not shortcuts
Why This Story Matters
As the coffee industry continues to face global challenges such as climate change, greenwashing, and pricing instability - it helps to remember where the values came from.
We share this story to honor the path we’ve walked with our partners, our customers, and our peers. We’re still learning. We’re still evolving. And we’re still committed to using coffee as a tool for possibility.
Shop the Coffees That Carry This Legacy
Paul’s Blend – Founders’ Legacy Roast
A bold, meaningful medium-dark roast named for our co-founder, honoring 50+ years of leadership in coffee and justice.
Or Try the Origin Masters
These small-lot coffees are from pioneering cooperatives including: UCA Miraflor and CECOCAFEN
the co-architects of the world’s first farmer-owned cupping labs.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
A Just Cup: The Story Behind the First Environmental Committee in Specialty Coffee
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Taste the Bright Future of Coffee
- Tasting Notes: Vibrant citrus, delicate florals, and a smooth honey finish
- Mouthfeel: Silky and refreshing, with a bright, clean finish
- Perfect for: Pour over, drip, or French press—ideal for your morning clarity ritual
Rwanda Single Origin Coffee with citrus, floral, and honey tasting notes from Dukunde Kawa.
Why Dukunde Kawa Coffee Matters
Dukunde Kawa means “Let’s love coffee”—a name that reflects their commitment to people, planet, and flavor. This Rwandan cooperative is internationally recognized for combining exceptional quality with climate action.
- 2,500+ clean cook stoves installed, reducing wood use by 70%
- Tree nurseries restoring biodiversity and combating soil erosion
- Women’s leadership with 80% women participation at the Ruli washing station
Every bag of Rwanda Single Origin supports these impactful programs, making every cup an act of regeneration and reciprocity.
Sources: Dukunde Kawa Sustainability Programs and Thanksgiving Coffee Dukunde Kawa Story
Rwanda Coffee Farm
Brew a Better Morning, Support a Better Future
- Support healthier homes with clean cook stove initiatives
- Restore forests and farms through reforestation efforts
- Empower women farmers, nurturing local leadership
Recipe: Cold Brew for Summer Brightness
- Coarse grind 1 cup of beans
- Steep in 4 cups of filtered water for 12-14 hours
- Serve over ice with a twist of fresh orange peel
Explore More Flavor Stories
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Advocate for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact
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The Story Of SOPPEXCCA: Empowerment Through Coffee
In the verdant highlands of Jinotega, Nicaragua, a revolutionary approach to gender equity is transforming the coffee industry. Led by the visionary Fátima Ismael, SOPPEXCCA cooperative operates on a powerful belief: "Women's independence can only be achieved through economic autonomy and awareness."
"This groundbreaking initiative doesn't just produce exceptional coffee – it creates a model for sustainable economic justice." – Thanksgiving Coffee Company
What makes this partnership unique is SOPPEXCCA's pioneering recognition of women's traditionally invisible contributions to coffee production. This approach addresses a global challenge documented extensively by international organizations including the United Nations.
Fátima Ismael, SOPPEXCCA'S General Manager
The $40,000 Unpaid Work Fund: Valuing Invisible Labor
Since 2013, Thanksgiving Coffee Company has committed an additional $0.10 per pound of green coffee purchased from SOPPEXCCA – specifically allocated to recognize women's unpaid work. This initiative has now generated over $40,000 supporting women's economic empowerment.
The Global Context of Unpaid Labor
According to UN Women research:
- Unpaid care work is essential to functioning economies but often goes uncounted and unrecognized
- Women—particularly from low-income, migrant, and racialized groups—perform more than three-quarters of unpaid care and domestic work globally
- If women's unpaid work were assigned monetary value, it would exceed up to 40% of GDP in some countries
Measurable Impact in Nicaragua
The SOPPEXCCA initiative has created transformative changes for women:
- Improved relationships among women in rural communities
- Increased active participation in economic decision-making processes
- Development of creative potential within family economies
- Financial independence through personal savings accounts
- Growing cooperative membership among women
"8 March ... Day of commemoration and new commitments for a world of equality, equity and respect .. Greetings female producers, friends and companions who have been with this organization on their way that has not been easy but together we have overcome a thousand adversities and will continue to be fighting ..." Soppexcca
Woman Farmers of Soppexcca Cooperative - Jinotego, Nicaragua
Environmental Stewardship Meets Social Justice
Shade Grown Coffee: Critical Habitat for Migratory Songbirds
SOPPEXCCA's commitment extends beyond economic justice. Their shade-grown cultivation methods create essential winter habitats for migratory songbirds, demonstrating how sustainable agriculture directly contributes to biodiversity conservation.
"When you choose SOPPEXCCA coffee, you're supporting both women's empowerment and environmental stewardship – values at the heart of Thanksgiving Coffee Company."
Woman Farmers from the Soppexxcca Cooperative - Jinotega, Nicaragua
The Economic Impact Of Ethical Investment
UN Women's research reveals that investing in care infrastructure creates three times more jobs than equivalent investment in construction, with 70-90% of these jobs benefiting women.
The SOPPEXCCA fund represents precisely this kind of strategic investment.
Read about our support for the women of Soppexcca:
"Recognizing the Value of Womens Unpaid Work".
Celebrate the Women Coffee Farmers of Soppexcca
Try this delicious coffee and support a more balanced and just economy for the women of Soppexcca.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company.