How does Starbucks track the provenance of its coffee beans?

Starbucks tracks the provenance of its coffee beans by implementing a traceability system that logs every stage of the supply chain. This meticulous approach allows Starbucks to monitor the journey of coffee from the farm to the cup, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the sourcing process. By maintaining detailed records of the various steps involved in the supply chain, Starbucks can confirm that its coffee meets the company’s quality standards and ethical sourcing commitments.

The traceability system helps Starbucks understand the conditions under which the coffee is harvested, processed, and transported, which is crucial for maintaining relationships with farmers and ensuring sustainable practices. This detailed logging also supports Starbucks' commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, enabling the company to make informed decisions about its sourcing practices and reinforce its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

Other methods, such as using a tracking number for each shipment, are more limited in scope and would not provide the comprehensive oversight that a traceability system offers. While customer feedback and taste testing are valuable for assessing product quality, they don't play a role in tracking provenance or sourcing practices. Partnering with third-party auditors is an important aspect of verifying sourcing claims, but it does not encompass the internal tracking and documentation process managed by Starbucks.