The origins of UTZ CERTIFIED

UTZ CERTIFIED was founded in 1997 by
Guatemalan coffee producers
and the Dutch coffee roaster
Ahold Coffee Company.

The idea behind UTZ CERTIFIED was to create recognition for responsible coffee producers and tools for roasters and brands to respond to a growing demand for assurance of responsibly produced coffee.

The founders created an organization that could stand independently from the producers and the roasters. They chose the name "Utz Kapeh", which means "good coffee" in the Mayan language QuichÚ. An office was opened in Guatemala City in 1999. In 2002 the head office was opened in The Netherlands.

In March 2007, Utz Kapeh updated its name to UTZ CERTIFIED 'Good inside'. This updated name combines the confidence in our model and the pride of our heritage with clearer communication for the international market.

Nick Bocklandt - producer/founder

"UTZ CERTIFIED allows me to demonstrate that my coffee is grown in a responsible way. It is about people, the environment and coffee, not just about money."

Ward de Groote - roaster/founder

"It's about time that players in the coffee chain get to know each other: only transparency and traceability can lead to a healthy industry."

Finca Volcan, Guatemala

Finca Volcan is one of the first UTZ CERTIFIED farms. About 1250 people live and work on Finca Volcan. They have access to a health center, education, a church and a day care center. Employees have their own land for housing and farming.