Creating Ricco Fabio

Part 1. The Problem

Our industry is a flawed one. Coffee production has a huge impact on the environment. Water-consumption, exploitation of workers, deforestation and emissions are just some of the negative side effects of this trade. Over 2 billion people worldwide are coffee drinkers, with Brazil being the largest producer. Given the immense demand for this very ecologically intensive crop, many businesses resort to destructive and unethical practices in their pursuit of profit. The coffee industry has been associated with child labour, 5-10% of deforestation, coffee plantations are notorious for poor working conditions, and much of the information about the impact of consumption is hidden from the consumer.

Part 2. Our solution

When FreshGround began the process of creating Ricco Fabio (nearly two years ago), we thought long and hard about our approach. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are values we take very seriously. You can read more about our environmental social governance here.

We didn’t want to bring to an already overly saturated market yet another bad-tasting, budget coffee that did nothing to support the environment, economy or community in which it was grown. We needed to do better…

So we began researching, and we painstakingly vetted a host of different coffee growers until we finally settled on our partners. A 5 km² cluster of 11 smaller farms in the Alta Mogiana region of Brazil, about 400 km north of São Paolo. This family run business takes its environmental and social responsibilities very seriously. We were blown away by their willingness to go the extra mile, and drive to be the best. Together we’ve created a partnership founded on the principle that taking care of your land, people and processes is the only way to make truly great coffee.

Here is a summary of all that we are doing to make this coffee truly exceptional – in more than just its taste.

• Over 40% of the land owned by the farms is dedicated to environmental preservation, to protect its biodiversity.
• The modern and highly advanced equipment used, for example the de-husking machines, are designed to limit water usage and waste.
• No unfair labour – everyone is paid a fair wage.
• Children of farm workers are provided transport to and from school.
• We buy green coffee directly from the farms, and then export it to the EU for roasting and packing (all done in one facility).
• Companion planting of native wildflowers between lines of coffee plants to encourage pollinators and provide animals with a food source which protects the plants.
• Always choosing the least impactful option, this ethos guides our decision making.
• The last thing to mention is transparency. We continue to strive to provide our customers and website visitors with all the information they need to make an informed decision.

The farm is also helping educate the next generation of sustainable coffee producers. Every year, a new cohort of interns joins the programme, gaining hands-on experience in ethical coffee farming. Watch this video to hear from our friends at the farm as they share both the reasoning behind their methods and how they put them into practice.

Part 3. The Taste

Hopefully that provides some background on why Ricco Fabio is ‘socially-responsible’ coffee. We know that coffee that is ethically-sourced tastes better. But it also feels better. You, as a consumer, understand the story behind Ricco Fabio, our mission, and what we are doing to achieve it. And we believe that this understanding leads to a more conscious and fulfilling coffee experience. If there is anything else you would like to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, coffee conversations are our favourite.

So, what’s on offer? We’ve crafted six coffees – five unique blends and a single origin bean to satisfy every kind of coffee lover.
House Blend – Available in three roast levels: Light, Medium, and Dark. So you can enjoy your coffee just the way you like it.
Cacao Edition – Lovingly nicknamed “The Chocolate Coffee” in our office, this one’s for those who crave something a little different.
Single Origin – A small-batch, specialty coffee from Alta Mogiana, crafted for serious coffee lovers who appreciate depth and distinction.
Decaf – Because great coffee shouldn’t keep you up at night. Delicious, smooth, and perfect for winding down.

This handy infographic breaks down the tasting notes for each coffee:

By choosing Ricco Fabio, you’re not just enjoying exceptional coffee, you’re supporting a movement that values people, planet, and great taste in equal measure. From the way it’s grown to the way it’s brewed, every step is designed to contribute to a better experience for you and a better future for coffee farming communities.

Shop coffee Learn more Shop machines