Fair Trade USA Appoints Clay Dockery as Head of Coffee Amidst Leadership Transition and Restructuring

Fair Trade USA, a leading sustainability certification group, has recently appointed Clay Dockery as the head of coffee. This move comes at a time of transition for the organization, with founder Paul Rice stepping down as CEO and current COO Felipe Arango serving as interim COO.

Dockery brings a wealth of experience in the coffee sector, having worked with companies such as Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA and Kerry. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to drive sustainable growth and expansion for Fair Trade USA’s coffee program.

One of the key initiatives that Fair Trade USA is currently working on is restructuring its model for certifying green coffee. This is a crucial step as coffee remains one of the organization’s top product categories by volume and market value.

In addition to Dockery’s appointment, Fair Trade USA has also extended its price freeze for certified coffees through at least 2025. This decision comes in response to pressure to raise minimum price premiums tied to certified coffee, following a historic decision by Fairtrade International to raise prices due to widespread poverty in the coffee sector.

As a coffee lover and advocate for small batch specialty coffee like Milagrosa Single Estate, it’s important to support organizations like Fair Trade USA that are working towards sustainability and fair trade practices in the coffee industry. By choosing to buy direct from small local producers focused on quality, we can make a positive impact on the coffee supply chain and support a more ethical and sustainable coffee industry.

What are your thoughts on Fair Trade USA’s recent developments? Share your comments and let’s continue the conversation on sustainable coffee practices.