From Costa Rica to Sheffield: Yorkshire firm follows coffee shipment in sustainability and carbon neutral drive

He spent time on the plantation learning about all aspects of coffee farming and how the industry is being impacted by climate change.

“I was already aware of some of the issues that climate change has on coffee growing regions,” he explains. “For example, it’s well documented that as the climate warms, the areas [suitable] for growing Arabica coffee continue to climb in altitude...and eventually you run out of mountain.”

Liam says plant diseases, unseasonal rainfall and premature blossoms were also challenges faced by producers.

“These impacts are only getting worse as the years go on,” he says. “It was good to be able to see it for myself and how [people there] are working to combat those issues whether it’s by planting new varieties or changing their farming methods – lots of little things they’re doing to keep producing the coffee, otherwise they don’t have a livelihood and we don’t have the commodity.”

Liam, who joined Cafeology in 2019 after studying biology at the University of Sheffield, spent time in Costa Rica with supplier Roberto Mata. The relationship was established by Cafeology founder and managing director Bryan Unkles over 15 years ago when he visited the plantation.

"Roberto welcomed me into his home and treated me like a member of his family,” Liam says, “showing me not just how coffee is grown and processed but what everyday life is like for the people who live and work there.”

After Liam had helped to harvest the coffee, Cafeology’s team arranged its delivery to their roastery in Tinsley, from the coffee leaving the farm, to its shipping and tracking, as well as haulage. It was taken on a 5,377 mile journey, including by sea and rail, with Cafeology overseeing every aspect to ensure sustainability in each stage of the supply chain.

Once in the UK, the firm worked with neighbouring family-run logistics company Newell & Wright to bring the shipment up from London. The company says the capital's Gateway port was chosen due to its rail links, enabling Cafeology to reduce the shipment's carbon footprint by 50 per cent compared to road haulage.

Rugby players from Sheffield RUFC, a Cafeology customer which is also sponsored by the firm, then helped in hauling the bags of beans over the finish line.

Liam says: "I don't think many people think about the origin of their cup of coffee and the work that went into producing it, so I feel an immense amount of pride and satisfaction having witnessed the entire journey of this coffee."

Part of Liam’s role involves working to ensure Cafeology achieves carbon neutrality by the end of 2025. He has used his findings post-trip to write an 11,000 word white paper focusing on how climate change is affecting the coffee industry - in Costa Rica and globally - and the challenges that are faced by producers.

The business is also working to boost its environmental credentials by expanding its electric fleet and installing vehicle charging points. Bee hives, to be looked after by Liam and apprentice Jack Coates, will also be established at its roastery to help with pollination along the nearby canal.

Meanwhile, fully recyclable retail and wholesale coffee packaging is already in place, alongside a cardboard shredder for making recycled packing – and solar panels and renewable electricity are used in the new-build roastery.

Bryan says: "We're committed to work sustainably - from supporting coffee producers in implementing sustainable practices, to continuing our own work towards carbon neutrality."

Liam adds that every business needs to play its part in mitigating climate change and protecting the planet. "A lot of our customers are also very conscious of the environment,” he adds. “The business was founded on the idea of doing things ethically – and sustainability has become part of that...Every business needs to play their part.”