Transparent Trade

Transparency isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation of who we are and how we do business.

Since the very beginning, we have paid our farmers above Fair Trade prices which are typically between $2.60 and $3.00 per pound. In Ecuador, where the average minimum wage is around $450 per month, this pricing model ensures that our partners earn a sustainable income for their hard work, remaining profitable to not only elevate their businesses and pay their workers, but support their families and grow their communities. By paying these elevated prices directly to farmers, we’re proud to offer them an income far above what traditional coffee buyers would provide.

Unlike many companies that throw around words like "fair trade" without specifics, we believe in complete honesty about where your coffee comes from. Every bag of Z Beans Coffee is traceable to its origin. When you drink our coffee, you’re participating in a transparent, sustainable chain—one built on real partnerships, not just transactions.

Our Partnerships evolve

Farming is never static—and neither are the partnerships we maintain. Whether the season has affected a farmer's harvest or he landed a contract with other buyers, the farmers we work with can change from year to year, and sometimes even within the same harvest season. Our supply chain flexibility allows us to support a broader group of growers while ensuring that we always offer you the best coffee Ecuador has to offer. Currently, we are proud to source the majority of our beans from William Martillo in Manabi and Diego Jaya in Loja—two extraordinary farmers whose commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices aligns perfectly with our values. William and Diego represent the future of Ecuadorian coffee: independent, entrepreneurial, and deeply connected to their land.

William Martillo Diego Jaya
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We believe that real impact doesn’t come from rigid, corporate programs — it comes from relationships, flexibility, and trust. Every year, we carefully assess our sourcing partnerships to continue providing direct support where it’s needed most.

No Secrets. Just Coffee Done Right.

At Z Beans Coffee, what you see is what you get. We don't hide behind marketing slogans. We proudly share the details of our sourcing because we believe you deserve to know who you're supporting—and they deserve to be recognized. Every dollar you spend with us moves the needle toward a fairer coffee economy, where farmers aren’t an afterthought—they’re partners.

Thank you for believing in transparent trade—and for helping us build something better, one cup at a time.

At Z Beans Coffee, transparency isn't just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything we do. From the moment a coffee cherry is picked in the highlands of Ecuador to the time it’s brewed in your cup, we document and communicate each step. Our direct trade model eliminates middlemen, ensuring that our farmer partners receive premium prices—well above Fair Trade standards. According to Fairtrade International, traditional minimums often fall short of covering true production costs. That’s why we’ve set our baseline pricing between $2.60 and $3.00 per pound, ensuring farmers are paid fairly for their craftsmanship.

We prioritize full supply chain traceability—from the farm to your front door. Every batch of Z Beans Coffee is roasted in Macon, Georgia, but its story begins on farms in Loja, Manabí, and Imbabura. By working directly with producers, we’re able to provide origin information, processing methods (Washed, Natural, Honey), and harvesting timelines with complete accuracy. As noted by Daily Coffee News, consumers are increasingly demanding visibility into where and how their coffee is sourced—and we proudly meet that expectation.

Transparent trade is about equity, sustainability, and connection. We publish our pricing, maintain open lines of communication with our partners, and continuously look for ways to reduce waste and improve environmental practices. From compostable packaging to farmer training programs, we go beyond the bean to create meaningful impact. Our model aligns with broader calls in the industry for honest, verifiable sourcing, as emphasized by The Specialty Coffee Association. With Z Beans, what you see is truly what you get: a coffee company rooted in honesty, built on relationships, and committed to lasting change.