The world wakes up to coffee. This simple act—a morning ritual for millions—fuels an industry worth over $100 billion globally. Yet behind the aromatic allure of your daily cup lies a story often untold, one that mirrors troubling realities seen in other industries, such as chocolate production in Africa.

From labor exploitation to environmental harm, the coffee supply chain harbors systemic issues. As consumers, we hold the power to create change—but awareness is the first step.

Much of the world’s coffee is controlled by a handful of powerful multinational corporations. Companies like Nestlé and JDE Peet’s have dominated the industry, benefiting from vast economies of scale, streamlined mechanization, and political influence. This monopoly-like setup often enables these companies to dictate prices, leaving small farmers at the mercy of market volatility.

Coffee-growing regions, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, often lack the bargaining power to negotiate fair wages or working conditions. In some cases, the inequalities in power resemble what’s been exposed in the cocoa industry:

• Child Labor: As with chocolate production, reports have emerged of children working long hours on coffee farms, particularly in regions like Ivory Coast and Central America. Families often rely on child labor due to poverty and unfair prices paid to farmers.

• Political Exploitation: Corruption and weak labor laws allow coffee giants to secure land and labor cheaply, perpetuating cycles of poverty among workers.

To maximize profits, large-scale coffee production often relies on practices that damage ecosystems:

1. Deforestation: Vast tracts of rainforest have been cleared to grow coffee, resulting in loss of biodiversity.

2. Pesticides and Chemicals: To meet demand, industrial coffee farming relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, harming soil health and local water supplies.

3. Monoculture Farming: Mechanized farming techniques encourage monoculture, which is detrimental to the environment and more susceptible to disease outbreaks, leading to even higher pesticide use.

Meanwhile, sustainable small-scale farmers who rely on organic or shade-grown techniques often struggle to compete, despite producing superior-quality beans.

The cocoa industry’s systemic problems—exposed by investigative journalism and whistleblowers—include forced labor, child exploitation, and environmental destruction. Nestlé and others have faced lawsuits for their role in enabling these abuses.

Similar issues plague the coffee industry:

• Low Wages: Many coffee farmers earn less than $2 a day, leaving them trapped in poverty despite working in a lucrative global market.

• Forced Labor: Reports have emerged of forced labor on coffee plantations in countries like Brazil, Guatemala, and Ethiopia.

• Corporate Denial: Like in the cocoa industry, big coffee brands often deny responsibility, claiming they source ethically while benefiting from opaque supply chains that hide exploitative practices.

The power to transform the coffee industry lies with consumers. Just as public outcry has led to improvements in chocolate sourcing, consumer demand for transparency and fairness in coffee can push companies to reform. Here’s how awareness can drive better choices:

1. Support Fair Trade: Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Direct Trade, which ensure farmers receive a fair wage and work under ethical conditions.

2. Choose Small Producers: Supporting small, local, or cooperatively owned brands prioritizes farmers over corporations. These producers are more likely to use sustainable practices.

3. Demand Transparency: Ask your favorite coffee brands where their beans come from, how they’re sourced, and whether they’ve audited their supply chains for labor and environmental abuses.

At Tamana Coffee, we believe in honoring the people and land that create the world’s favorite beverage. Our beans are sourced from small-scale farmers who practice environmentally conscious farming and are paid fairly for their labor. By choosing Tamana Coffee, you’re supporting a brighter future for coffee growers and the planet.

The hidden costs of coffee extend far beyond its price tag. From exploitation of workers to destruction of ecosystems, the impact of “big coffee” demands attention. The choices we make as consumers send powerful messages to the industry—messages of fairness, sustainability, and respect for those who make coffee possible.

The next time you pour a cup, ask yourself: who made this possible? Then, choose wisely.