What are The Places?
The Places are real, independent entities that work within The Better Coffee system.
Each The Place operates autonomously — guided by shared values and The Better Coffee Standard, not by central control.
The Place can be privately owned, collectively run, or organized as a cooperative.
They are not branches or franchises.
They are distinct actors connected through a common framework and mutual trust.
Every The Place applies The Better Coffee Standard in its own context.
Together, The Places form a distributed network of practical action — where better ways of working with coffee are tested, lived, and made real.
A The Place can take many practical forms.
It may be a coffee farm, a fermentation or processing site, a roastery, a café or bar, an educational space, a research or testing lab, a storage or logistics hub, equipment manufacturers, sales or distribution platforms, as well as a community-led initiative focused on coffee and people.
Core values of The Places
Egalitarianity
There is no hierarchy — all The Places are equal in structure and purpose.
Autonomy
Each The Place operates independently, shaped by its local context and vision.
Sharing
Multidisciplinarity
Knowledge, space, tools, and labor flow freely between The Places.
Each The Place brings together diverse skills and fields — to meet real needs.
One License. Simple Access. Real Support.
There is one license and one shared structure — offered at three price tiers.
All tiers provide access to the same system, values, network, and benefits.
The difference lies only in price and level of support.
Sustainable is the base price.
Choose Solidarity if you need support entering the system.
Choose Supporter if you can help others and share your capacity.
The license is granted for a 3-year period.
Tier | Price (3y) | Who is it for?* |
|---|---|---|
Solidarity | €0 to €1,000 | Individuals and teams in crisis, small initiatives, educators and researchers |
Sustainable | €1500 | Coffee people, companies and institutions, projects rooted in daily practice |
Supporter | €2500 | Anyone able to support others |
* suggested guidance only
Why License
The Places?
Because access matters.
And so does structure.
Licensing The Place isn’t about permission — it’s about power.
The power to operate with shared tools, values, and real solidarity.
To gain access to a living network — not just a logo.
What the license gives you
Access to The Places internal network
Shared tools, mutual support, and full guidance for implementing The Better Coffee Standard in real, everyday work.
Dedicated M+E space
Private Matrix + Element spaces for licensed The Places — direct communication, coordination, fast consultation, and peer support.
The Ranking Method (TRM)
Direct access to TRM as a service: clearer evaluation, fairer trade conditions, pricing logic, and stronger trust between sellers and buyers.
Sales & income support
Practical support to help sell better and earn sustainably — positioning, pricing, partnerships, and development aligned with real market conditions.
Shared decision-making
Implementation of The Standard is never done alone. Key decisions are discussed and shaped together with The Better Coffee Office and other The Places.
Information exchange & trainings
Join shared events, organize your own, and learn directly from others working within the network.
Talent & labor support
Support for all workers — host educators, invite QC teams, share skills, and exchange know-how across The Places.
Marketing & visibility
Storytelling support, shared campaigns, and public visibility for The Places aligned with The Better Coffee values.
Administrative & operational support
Legal, structural, and day-to-day operational guidance from The Better Coffee Office — coordination, problem-solving, and continuity.
3-year license period
The license is valid for three years, providing long-term stability, continuous support from The Better Coffee Office, and enough time to implement The Better Coffee Standard in a real, sustainable way.
Solidarity Tier
If you need support, please use the form
on the Pay-It-Forward page.
We believe access shouldn’t depend on your budget.