<p>According to a <a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/news/americans-drinking-more-coffee-ever"target="_blank">recent study</a>, 64 percent of Americans drink a cup of coffee every day (that’s up from 62 percent in 2017). And as we continue to consume our <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/c/coffee"target="_blank">favorite morning pick-me-up</a>, our desire to know what’s behind each cup is also on the rise, particularly when it comes to ethical sourcing. Equal Exchange shares this passion, which is why every one of its blends is <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/certifications/fair-trade-certified"target="_blank">Fair Trade Certified</a> and organically farmed. But the brand’s innovative approach to business doesn’t stop there. Equal Exchange is also one of the largest worker cooperatives in the country, and steers away from a traditional for-profit structure in order to give its worker-owners an equal voice in the brand. Learn more about this trailblazing coffee favorite. </p>
<h2>The History of Equal Exchange</h2>
<p>Founded by Rink Dickinson, Jonathan Rosenthal, and Michael Rozyne in 1986, Equal Exchange started with a single idea: What if food could be traded in a way that’s honest and fair, empowering both farmers and consumers in the process? In an attempt to change a broken food system the group took a leap and launched a worker-owned brand (more on that below) committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Equal Exchange started with fairly traded coffee from Nicaragua and is still expanding its globally sourced selection today. </p>
<h2>Equal Exchange Company Mission</h2>
<p>This forward-thinking brand fosters mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers. In doing so, the Equal Exchange team hopes to demonstrate how incorporating worker cooperatives and Fair Trade practices contribute to a more equitable, democratic, and sustainable world.</p>
<h2>Benefits of Equal Exchange</h2>
<p>Equal Exchange is just as unique in its approach to business as it is in its approach to coffee. The company is organized as a democratic worker cooperative or worker-owned brand—meaning it’s not designed to maximize profits or returns to investors. Instead, Equal Exchange encompasses over 120 “worker-owners” who each have an equal stake in the company and share its high product standards. </p>
<p>In terms of the products themselves, each Equal Exchange blend is:</p><br>
<ul>
  <li>Certified organic </li>
  <li>Fair trade</li>
  <li><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/ingredients/pesticide-free"target="_blank">Pesticide-free</a></li>
</ul><br>
<h2>Top Equal Exchange Products</h2>
<p>Step up your java game with these beloved blends. </p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/equal-exchange-organic-love-buzz-coffee-whole-bean"target="_blank">Organic Love Buzz Whole Bean Coffee</a></h3>
<p>Love is sweet—especially when it comes to this dark, rich brew with notes of chocolate brownie, caramel corn, malt, and toffee.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/equal-exchange-organic-mind-body-and-soul-ground-coffee"target="_blank">Organic Mind, Body and Soul Ground Coffee</a></h3>
<p>Busy day? Transport yourself into a state of zen with a soothing cup of this creamy, balanced blend with hints of almond, malt, and dark chocolate. </p>

<h2>You Might Like</h2>
<p>Want more? Dig into the Thrive Market blog.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/how-much-caffeine-is-too-much"target="_blank">How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?</a></h3>
<p>Worried that you might be overindulging in your caffeine habit? We’re taking a closer look at this natural stimulant to determine once and for all how much is too much. Plus, get tips for cutting back. </p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/banana-cold-brew-vegan-ice-cream-recipe"target="_blank">Banana Cold Brew Vegan Ice Cream</a></h3>
<p>Craving an icy-sweet treat? Just blend cold brew coffee with banana, ground coffee, coconut cream, and sea salt and leave it to set in the freezer.  </p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/daphne-ozs-vegan-vietnamese-style-iced-coffee-recipe"target="_blank">Vegan Vietnamese Iced Coffee</a></h3>
<p>Enjoy a refreshing sip with a distinctive mix of cold brew coffee, coconut milk, vanilla bean, dates, cardamom, and maple syrup—all poured over ice. </p>

Equal Exchange has been providing delicious fair-trade coffee to the masses for over 25 years. Try their decaf or caffeinated whole beans today.

Equal Exchange, a leading worker cooperative founded in 1986, offers Fair Trade Certified and organically farmed coffee blends while promoting ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Committed to a democratic business model, the company empowers its worker-owners and ensures that all products are certified organic, pesticide-free, and contribute to a more equitable global food system.

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