At VELLUTO NERO, we focus on sourcing high quality, 100% Arabica beans that are sustainably produced and fairly and equitably traded.

All the coffee beans selected and handcrafted by VELLUTO NERO are certified Rainforest Alliance, or are brought into Australia by our green-bean importers who have direct grower/buyer relationships with the growers where we pay premium prices set by, or negotiated with the coffee growers directly.  This social premium allows us to directly contribute to increasing the well being of the growers and their communities, allowing them to invest in and improve their sustainable growing practices, and to ensure that superior quality is maintained.

The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organisation that works to protect the ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them.  In order to become Rainforest Alliance Certified, farms must pass inspections by Sustainable Agriculture Auditors who verify that farmers have taken sufficient steps to protect ecosystems and wildlife, conserve soil and water, provide decent, safe conditions and quality of life for workers and their communities and manage pests and waste in ways that limit environmental impacts.  Rain-Forest Alliance is an independent Non-Government Organisation that has established comprehensive certification standards and equitable trade initiatives that promote and guarantee improvements in agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and the quality of life of the workers and their communities.  Initiatives are voluntary, and producers that comply with these standards and guidelines can have their coffee certified with the NGO’s label.  Certification is an incentive to make environmental and social improvements.