Leading a movement towards effective valuation processes and equal value distributions

: the role of specialty coffee

Abstract

The coffee industry is at risk as the disparity of wealth between coffee-producing andcoffee-consuming countries increases and enormous obstacles such as environmental crises and extreme price volatility are blocking the path to a sustainable and viable coffee industry. Specialty Coffee is defined as the highest quality coffee premium and has proven to be the front-runner in the transition towards a more sustainable coffee industry. Therefore, this study contributed to previous research by adopting an unique in-depth case study of the Specialty Coffee value chain approach and by isolating this segment and understanding the dynamics between different actors and stakeholders. Moreover, this study will supplement previous research by taking a holistic perspective on valuation processes by including both intrinsic and extrinsic production systems and analyzing different actors' perspectives instead of focusing on a specific actor or step within the value chain. Valuation Theory will provide the theoretical framework to answer the research question: How can actors of the Specialty Coffee industry construct valuation processes for a more equal distribution of value? This study found that actors of the specialty coffee industry are setting the stage for systemic stage through Collective Action. The Collective Action of the industry is directed at building Value Networks with coffee-producing actors at the center, which should guarantee a more equal distribution of wealt hand power. Moreover, the Collective Action aims to improve the degree of transparency and measurability of processes that consequently enhances the effectiveness of valuation processes.

Date of Award	5 Jul 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Laure Leglise (Supervisor)