BREWING UP QUALITY WITH A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Photo Credit: Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co.
The Muskoka Roastery Instagram feed is everything there is to love about Canadian winters – cozy sweaters, a hot beverage after a day of playing in the snow, and celebrating heritage and the natural environment. But its not all photo-ops and snow days for this 100% Canadian company, they are hard at work roasting high quality coffee and blazing a trail of sustainability and giving back to the community that supports them.
Muskoka Roastery has been a Localize vendor for nearly two years – but co-founders Patricia and Douglas Snell have been part of the foundation of the business community in Muskoka for over 15 years. In that time, they’ve shown their commitment to a pioneering spirit and that they are not afraid to go down the untraveled path. In 2016, they were one of the first in the world to introduce 100% compostable singe serve pods. The pods break down in compost in about 5 weeks and were a Canadian innovation developed in partnership with the University of Guelph.
Photo Source: Venture Muskoka – Patricia Snell and and Doug Burns
Muskoka Roastery also integrates sustainability into every aspect of their business. They donate 1% of sales to community and environmental initiatives in Muskoka – a region that inspires every cup they brew. The company also strives to reduce their carbon footprint including aiming for zero-waste.
They are proud to source 100% of their coffee from farms that are Rainforest Alliance Certified™. Muskoka chooses certified farms to make sure the commitment to sustainability spans their supply chain. To be Rainforest Alliance Certified™, farms must meet biodiversity and conservation requirements, commit to improved livelihoods and human well being for workers and communities, and use effective farm management that preserves the natural environment.
In 2017, the Rainforest Alliance celebrates their 30th anniversary. You can find out more about Rainforest Alliance certification here, or find other certified products.
As the business grows – Muskoka Roastery’s commitment grows stronger to find new ways to improve the lives of the farmers, local community members, and Muskoka area wildlife and residents. Their products can be found on shelves at The Big Carrot in Toronto, McKeen Metro Glebe in Ottawa, Vince’s Market locations, and many other retailers across Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
