Innovation

For most farmers in foreign countries, they receive very little compensation for they efforts through exporting their products to other countries. With the aid of organizations, such as Diallanos's, farmers can gain recognition and support through subsidies provided by these companies. Firms help these farmers attain higher market prices for their products, and as a result they can overcome long-term economic problems. With the greater help, farmers are able to sufficiently live off of their income and put more into their work as they will have greater financial freedom.

Through Rock 'n' Joe's recognition of this conflict, the impact that supporting foreign sourcing firms is undisputed as it greatly increases the quality of life for many farmers across the globe. Another technique employed by Rock 'n' Joe is green sourcing which is a major benefit to both producers and retailers alike. It is a perfect win-win situation because it creates a green perception around Rock 'n' Joe, while at the same time providing sufficient funds to farmers coming from less fortunate backgrounds.. Specifically, this decision to source directly from farmers through Dillanos' is important to consider because Rock 'n' Joe acknowledges that 71% of consumers think green when making purchases.

Inspiration

Though the main thrill of business is to generate a profit, Rock 'n' Joe is also concerned with the partners that they conduct business with. When Rock 'n' Joe was first established in 1993,the concept of the café stood out to be a comfortable setting in which customers could enjoy sourced coffee and other snacks. When to came to coffee, Rock 'n' Joe understands that it may have to pay a premium for sourcing abroad, but it was a sustainable practice vital to its culture. The franchise had addressed the additional costs to their internal and external stakeholders stating that " While these coffees cost more, we believe it is a better quality bean that we are proud to purchase." Though it may cost more in the end, Rock 'n' Joe claims that "it's just a better way to do business. Everybody wins," since the win-win scenario aligns with their overall vision. The innovation of combined setting and fair trade has allowed the company to prosper and keep customers coming back.

Overall impact

All of their coffee is brewed with specially-treated water and pesticide free coffee beans. Not only is their coffee one of the highest qualities available, but it is also 100% Fair Trade Certified. The coffee beans are picked and processed by farmers who are well-compensated for their labor. The company also guarantees that the coffee beans are raised and grown, and picked sustainable. The organizational members are utilizing and developing the innovation by striving for excellence in the work.

Since consumers are conscious of the environmentally sustainable sourced beans, Rock 'n' Joe is able to justify higher prices for their coffee as opposed to other coffee shops. Even though people often complain about the high prices of Rock 'n' Joe, the customers who are loyal to the company understand the quality of the coffee and the ambiance of the shop, the extensive interpersonal relationships, and the ethical production of the beans. All of these factor into making the coffee show that it is and it allows them to stand out in a green world.

Business benefit

Rock 'n' Joe has received several awards for its high quality coffee beans. In the 1980s, the Specialty Coffee Association of America launched the first "Golden Cup" Award to improve the standards of coffee and Rock 'n' Joe is one of the winners of this award. They have been winners for five consecutive years. Having earned this award, this company shows all of its customers that they only brew the best kind of coffee. Not only has Rock 'n' Joe benefited but there is a mutual gain the Dilanos' as they were named Roast Magazine's 2011 Macro Roaster of the year. Dilanos' has produced more than 100,000 pounds of coffee beans. Therefore, more than 100,000 pounds of coffee beans were collected by farmers that receive fair-wages. These qualities of Rock 'n' Joe make it a valuable company and a strong competitor in the market.

Social and environmental benefit

Rock 'n' Joe has a priority not only on the well-being of their consumers but also the planer, and because of this it makes them a very environmentally conscious organization. Their main asset that allows them to be sustainable is their technique to source coffee beans. Their Fair Trade Certification means that people who produce the goods work in safe conditions, protect the environment build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. This enable people from poor backgrounds to have a chance at a better life through financial help, and it empowers them to think about other sustainable practices. Not only does it help the farmers but it provides consumers with the freshest coffee beans as they are organically grown. Having this process within the business benefits society in general since it aids impoverished farmers grow their crops and support their families. Along with this, when farmers are stable, we'd like to think that the community around them would also be stable.

Interview

Shantanu Chadry, Owner of Rock 'n' Joe at Westfield