In the coffee sector, the promise of digitalization is compelling, presenting opportunities for improved traceability, streamlined operations, and enhanced sustainability. However, underpinning this optimistic vision is a fundamental yet often underdiscussed aspect: data quality. Without accurate and reliable data, even the most sophisticated systems and tools will fail to yield meaningful outcomes. In this article, we share five tools that embed automated data checks in their solutions, as well as a reflection on the importance of building a data quality culture within organizations. 

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has sparked a lot of debate across the coffee industry and beyond. On the surface, most of us can agree that the intent is commendable. But turning this goal into practical measures has been particularly challenging. This complexity has led to a growing pushback against the EUDR enforcement timeline, prompting the European Union to reconsider its initial deadlines, offering an opportunity for companies to form strategic partnerships.

The use of mobile money continues to grow within the agricultural sector. According to GSMA's latest State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money, there are now 1.75 billion registered mobile money accounts worldwide, marking robust double-digit growth in recent years. This dynamic ecosystem has led coffee companies to pilot and integrate digital payment solutions with their partners and suppliers across different regions, positioning these as the future of business transactions. But what are the benefits for companies and farmers, and what does a successful case look like?

Despite Ethiopia's renowned coffee production, many smallholder farmers grapple with systemic challenges that hinder their productivity and profitability. To address these challenges and close the gap between small agribusinesses and the tech sector, the ITC's Alliance for Action has partnered with Bopinc to close the gap between small agribusinesses and the tech sector.

The field of sustainability reporting can be complex and intimidating. Technological advances have added to this complexity by making impact measurement and reporting more common and expected. However, digital tools also present significant opportunities to enhance data collection, analysis, and sharing, while enabling more accurate sustainability reporting. This has become crucial not only for meeting certifications and standards but also for complying with new governmental regulations. Aligning digitalization with impact strategies has therefore become essential for companies, both large and small.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is set to become a pivotal piece of legislation for the coffee sector, impacting every part of the supply chain, from producers to roasters. While importers are primarily responsible for providing the documentation to the EU, other stakeholders must contribute significantly to data collection. One significant, yet preventable, hurdle for compliance is receiving little attention – uncertainty surrounding who is responsible for the different areas for compliance. Should government agencies support producers with data collection? Must buyers take the lead instead? Who is responsible for verifying the information provided to the EU?

The rise of the digital era has ushered in a huge range of opportunities for the coffee industry, not least the possibility to trace coffees from origin to final consumer. While this has significant benefits, the process of collecting and sharing data is complex and can be inefficient if not done well. Traceability tools can be a solution, yet picking one and, more importantly, choosing the right one for a specific business is a gargantuan task that, when done without guidance, can costs huge amounts of money and time. In this article, we highlight five tools that can serve as a starting point.

Despite the extensive geographical coverage of broadband internet, a staggering 3 billion people do not use internet services due to challenges ranging from high cost of data to gaps in digital skills. This creates a significant problem for farmers, who are unable to access vital information for their businesses. So, how do we bridge the gap between uneven internet usage and the availability of information? In a world where high-tech solutions often grab the spotlight, the significance of 'low-tech' tools in agriculture stands as a testament to innovation meeting necessity.

Quality assessment in the coffee industry has long been a challenging endeavor, with defining standards across the supply chain proving to be a complex task. Artificial Intelligence stands as a transformative force with global implications across diverse industries, offering solutions that revolutionize processes and enhance efficiency. In the coffee industry, AI emerges as a game-changer, promising to enhance not only the efficiency of grading processes but also the overall coffee quality of the final product. 

The coffee industry has long been plagued by a pricing transparency problem. Traditionally there has been information asymmetry across the coffee supply chain, creating an uneven playing field for the different stakeholders, most often putting farmers in an unsustainable price-taking position. One way to tackle this is by leveraging technology-based solutions that can provide specific information to offer enhanced pricing transparency. Coffee producers need an engine, not cogs. However, it is important to note that a single solution will not create a viable coffee business. It takes a holistic approach – starting with improving the negotiating position of coffee producers.