Discovering Chick-fil-A's Coffee Brand: Thrive Farmers
When you sip on a hot or iced coffee from Chick-fil-A, you are tasting a custom blend from a unique company named Thrive Farmers. Instead of sourcing their coffee from a traditional, multi-layered supply chain, Chick-fil-A partnered with Thrive Farmers to implement a direct-trade model. This approach is not only a boon for coffee quality but also has a significant ethical component, empowering farmers by providing them with a stable, predictable income.
The Direct-Trade Advantage
What sets Thrive Farmers apart is its commitment to the farmers who grow the beans. In a standard coffee supply chain, multiple intermediaries reduce the profit margin for the farmers. However, Thrive Farmers cuts out the middlemen, allowing farmers to earn a greater share of the revenue. This revolutionary model ensures that the cultivators of the coffee beans receive a more equitable compensation, which in turn leads to greater economic stability and better livelihoods for their families and communities. The success of this model was evident shortly after the partnership began, with Chick-fil-A's coffee sales doubling within a year.
The Quality of Specialty-Grade Coffee
Beyond the ethical considerations, the coffee itself is of exceptional quality. The coffee is not just regular coffee; it is “specialty-grade,” a high-quality designation awarded by the Specialty Coffee Association to only the top 10% of coffee globally. Thrive Farmers and Chick-fil-A developed a unique blend from high-altitude grown arabica beans, specifically crafted to complement the flavors of the Chick-fil-A menu. The result is a smooth, balanced cup with notes of caramel and a nutty finish.
Comparing Thrive Farmers with Traditional Coffee Sourcing
| Feature | Thrive Farmers (Direct Trade) | Traditional Coffee Sourcing |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain | Direct from farmer to company | Multi-layered with multiple intermediaries |
| Farmer Compensation | Revenue-sharing model, stable and predictable income | Market-dependent, often volatile pricing |
| Profit for Farmers | Significantly higher earnings (up to 10x more) | Significantly lower earnings |
| Ethical Focus | High emphasis on farmer empowerment and sustainability | Variable, can involve exploitation |
| Quality Control | High, hands-on control over the process | Less direct control over sourcing and quality |
What About Locations Outside of the U.S. and Canada?
While Thrive Farmers supplies the coffee for all U.S. and Canadian Chick-fil-A locations, the sourcing can vary in other international locations. For instance, Chick-fil-A restaurants in Puerto Rico source their coffee locally from Puerto Rico Coffee Roasters. This shows Chick-fil-A's commitment to adapting its sourcing strategy based on local markets while still prioritizing quality and ethical standards.
A Closer Look at the Coffee Menu
- Hot Coffee: A custom, medium roast blend featuring notes of smooth caramel and a nutty finish, designed to be enjoyed on its own or with cream and sugar.
- Iced Coffee: This cold-brewed option is handcrafted daily using the custom Thrive Farmers blend, 2% milk, and pure cane sugar, served over ice. It is available in Original and Vanilla flavors.
- Frosted Coffee: A unique treat blending cold-brewed coffee with the signature Icedream® dessert.
Conclusion
For those who have asked, "what brand of coffee does Chick-fil-A use?", the answer is a compelling story of partnership and purpose. The choice to collaborate with Thrive Farmers was a deliberate move to not only upgrade their menu with specialty-grade coffee but to do so in a way that positively impacts coffee farmers. This commitment to quality and ethical sourcing sets Chick-fil-A's coffee apart, making it a beverage choice customers can feel good about. The success of this collaboration proves that it's possible to serve a delicious product while simultaneously creating a meaningful impact on the supply chain. You can learn more about their mission by visiting the Thrive Farmers website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tasting notes of Chick-fil-A's coffee?
Chick-fil-A's custom blend of specialty-grade coffee, sourced from Thrive Farmers, features tasting notes of smooth caramel and a nutty finish. It is a well-balanced, medium-roast coffee designed to pair well with their menu items.
Does Chick-fil-A's coffee help farmers?
Yes, Chick-fil-A's partnership with Thrive Farmers is built on a direct-trade, revenue-sharing model that provides a stable, predictable income for coffee farmers. This ethical approach ensures farmers earn significantly more than they would through traditional market methods.
Is Chick-fil-A's coffee specialty-grade?
Yes, the coffee beans supplied by Thrive Farmers are considered specialty-grade. This is a high-quality designation from the Specialty Coffee Association awarded to only about 10% of the world's coffee.
Is Chick-fil-A's coffee fair trade?
While not officially certified as fair trade, Chick-fil-A's partner, Thrive Farmers, operates a direct-trade model that achieves similar, if not superior, ethical outcomes. The revenue-sharing system provides more direct and transparent financial benefits to farmers than the traditional fair trade model.
How is Chick-fil-A's iced coffee made?
Chick-fil-A's iced coffee is cold-brewed and handcrafted daily. The cold brew concentrate is mixed with 2% milk and pure cane sugar, then served over ice.
Where does Chick-fil-A get its coffee for international locations?
For Canadian and U.S. restaurants, the coffee is from Thrive Farmers. However, in locations like Puerto Rico, the coffee is sourced locally from Puerto Rico Coffee Roasters.
Can I buy Thrive Farmers coffee for my home?
Yes, Thrive Farmers sells a variety of coffee products on their website, allowing customers to enjoy the same ethically sourced, high-quality coffee at home.
What are the benefits of the farmer-direct model?
The farmer-direct model, used by Thrive Farmers, benefits farmers by providing greater economic stability and higher earnings. It removes intermediaries from the supply chain, ensuring more revenue goes directly to the growers.
When did Chick-fil-A start using Thrive Farmers?
Chick-fil-A officially partnered with Thrive Farmers in 2014, and nationwide rollout of the new coffee began shortly after.
What kind of beans does Thrive Farmers use for Chick-fil-A?
The custom blend for Chick-fil-A is made from 100% arabica beans, which are known for their high-quality and distinct flavor profile.
Are there other fast-food restaurants that use specialty coffee?
While some fast-food chains have upgraded their coffee offerings, Chick-fil-A was an early leader in introducing specialty-grade coffee to the quick-service restaurant industry. Other chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell have since focused on beverage innovation as well.
How does the farmer-direct model work?
Under the Thrive Farmers model, growers receive a stable, predictable price for their coffee upfront. They also participate in a revenue-sharing program, where they get a percentage of the final sale price, ensuring they benefit from the entire value chain.
Conclusion
For those who have asked, "what brand of coffee does Chick-fil-A use?", the answer is a compelling story of partnership and purpose. The choice to collaborate with Thrive Farmers was a deliberate move to not only upgrade their menu with specialty-grade coffee but to do so in a way that positively impacts coffee farmers. This commitment to quality and ethical sourcing sets Chick-fil-A's coffee apart, making it a beverage choice customers can feel good about. The success of this collaboration proves that it's possible to serve a delicious product while simultaneously creating a meaningful impact on the supply chain. You can learn more about their mission by visiting the Thrive Farmers website.
