Guatemala ⇒ YOGI TEA®

A sustainable future requires all of us to do our part, and working together amplifies our impact.

After a carbon emissions audit, we discovered that cardamom was having a significant effect on our overall footprint: Deforestation, linked to outdated drying processes, was multiplying impacts such that cardamom’s footprint was twice that of our second-worst contributor.

Instead of spending years planning our own project, we opted for a collaborative approach.

Twinings had already developed and completed the first stage of a powerful, holistic sustainability intervention in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, in partnership with Mercy Corps. Following a joint trip to see what was happening on the ground, we joined as sponsors for stage two.

If every company starts unique sustainability projects for every shared problem, the difficulties multiply. If we are to stand a chance of creating the change required to stave off further environmental damage, we all need to increase the rate of progress. We can do this if we work together.

Our impact goals:

Improve capacity and capabilities of cardamom producer groups 
Increase the scale of the agroforestry systems 
Improve housing infrastructure 
Improve access to food through crop diversification 
Increase awareness and education around child labor prevention

Phase One results:

500 families trained in agroforestry systems, reforestation, and improved drying techniques, increasing their income while farming in harmony with nature
251 women reported increased income, and 2,160 people received COVID support.

Phase Two targets:

750 producers receive technical assistance diversifying agroforestry systems
80 agroforestry promoters train in the cardamom value chain and with food and nutritional security
16 schools improve access to water and basic sanitation
16 Protection Committees formed for child protection and zero tolerance for child labor