This March, 100% of the core Pact coffee range is sourced from women or gender-equity groups.

This is why we’re shining a deserved spotlight on women in coffee this month.

The coffee industry remains unequal

Women make up around 70% of its global workforce, but just 20% of farms are run by them. Those who do lead farms still have significantly less access to land ownership, finance, and training than men.

Closing the gender gap in the industry isn’t only the right thing to do – it’s vital to bring more people to the table if we want better quality coffee and a more sustainable coffee industry.

How we can work towards gender equity

At Pact, it’s an intentional choice to form sourcing partnerships with women who are producing exceptional coffee and pay them fairly for the high quality of their product. It allows us to bring Pact customers an extraordinary cup while tackling this imbalance directly.

In many instances, it’s the first time they’ve sold their coffee on the international market, bringing it to the attention of likeminded roasters and coffee companies and helping these growers to thrive as a result.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

This month, we estimate to roast 45,000 of coffee grown by more than 20 women. We believe this to be a record-breaking amount, and it’s all thanks to the brewing habits of Pact customers.

Moving beyond March, we pledge to source at least 50% of our coffee from women or gender equity groups. Last year, this was 60%. Because gender equity is possible when sourcing decisions are intentional and relationships with growers are personal.