How Metric Coffee Reimagines Equity From Farm To Cup
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Every cup of Metric coffee is carefully sourced, and the company’s commitment to transparency … More challenges industry norms in the support of small producers and workers. Metric Coffee In an era marked by growing scrutiny of global supply chains, the specialty coffee industry has found itself at the crossroads of ethics and economics. While consumers demand quality and traceability, producers—especially smallholder farmers—face rising production costs, climate instability, and market volatility. Despite the “third wave” coffee movement’s emphasis on quality and craft, many coffee growers remain underpaid and overlooked, with the true cost of production often concealed behind opaque trade practices. Addressing this systemic imbalance requires more than sustainability slogans—it calls for radical transparency and restructured relationships between producers and roasters. Chicago-based Metric Coffee was founded in 2013 by Xavier Alexander and Darko Arandjelovic with the intent to bridge this gap. Built without outside investors, the company has rooted itself in a sourcing model that prioritizes direct trade, traceability, and producer equity. The aim is not simply to source premium beans, but to honor the people and labor behind each cup. “Coffee can’t be cheap,” says Alexander, pointing to the physical demands and risks producers bear across the supply chain. Through site visits, direct dialogue, and above-market premiums, Metric aims to ensure that producers—especially the least visible, such as coffee pickers—are fairly compensated and able to sustain their livelihoods. This commitment is reflected in Metric’s publication of regular transparency reports, (2024 here) where they share detailed supply chain pricing data and discuss challenges faced by producers, including sociopolitical instability and climate-related threats. The goal is to demystify the cost structure of coffee and invite customers into a conversation about fairness and accountability. In a market where branding often substitutes for substance, price transparency is an important form of consumer education…
Filed under: News - @ July 23, 2025 1:29 pm