Public consultation shows broad support for updates to GCP Tools

Stakeholders from across the coffee sector have broadly supported proposed updates to the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code) and Equivalence Mechanism, while confirming that both tools remain robust and widely accepted across the sector.

These results come from a public consultation conducted between 19 May and 19 June 2026 as part of the 2026 review process of the Global Coffee Platform (GCP) Sustainable Sourcing Tools. The review aims to ensure that both tools remain relevant, credible and fit for purpose amid evolving sustainability expectations, regulatory developments and implementation experiences across the coffee sector.

GCP received more than 780 comments from stakeholders across 24 different countries, including producers, traders, roasters, sustainability schemes, civil society organizations, researchers, service providers and other associations and actors. Approximately half of all respondents were GCP Members, reflecting strong member engagement while also providing insights from the broader coffee sector.

Participants showed overall support for the proposed direction, updates and changes of the Coffee SR Code and Operational Requirements of the Equivalence Mechanism. The proposed revisions focus on improving clarity, strengthening implementation guidance and clarifying specific requirements.

GCP thanks all stakeholders for their participation in the consultation, as it is key to ensure that these tools remain effective, practical and credible. A summary of the results of the process is now available.