Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company commits to “Buying High” and “Selling Low” and believes their innovative model is the answer to today’s coffee pricing crisis. They pay their farmer partners as much as they can, while pricing their coffee as low as they can for consumers.
Dean’s Beans wants consumers of all income levels to participate in socially just trade, not only those with disposable income. They believe people of all economic backgrounds should have access to organic, delicious, high-quality coffee. They do not pay farmer partners based on the international price of coffee but negotiate based on their business needs, countered by what the farmers need. It is a give and take between both parties, but final prices always end up substantially higher than international prices. Dean’s Beans also commits development dollars from their profits to the same farmers. On average, these dollars add an additional 11% annually to the price paid for goods.
Dean’s Beans has been doing this for 26 years, turning a profit and experiencing growth every single year. The strong, long-term trading relationships based on livable wages help grow farmer capacity and provide consistency and stability from year-to-year in farmer communities. Their customer base, both wholesale and retail, is a loyal and diverse group of dedicated Dean’s Beans coffee drinkers who include activists, organic enthusiasts, coffee “snobs,” people on fixed incomes with discerning palates, and many others.