IRVING, Texas – 7-Eleven recently introduced a new Nicaragua single-origin coffee from Matagalpa, a premium brew that is the convenience retailer's first coffee to be Rainforest Alliance Certified.

The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Carrying the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal with the little green frog means 7-Eleven’s new coffee is sourced from coffee growers whose farms are required to meet strict standards designed to protect the environment, conserve wildlife and promote the well-being of local communities.   

This single-origin coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans harvested from Nicaragua's Matagalpa region. “Nearly every major coffee-producing region of the world is under stress as changing weather patterns affect coffee production. By working with the Rainforest Alliance, we can help foster sustainable farming practices that protect natural resources,” said Nancy Smith, 7-Eleven senior vice president of fresh food and proprietary beverage merchandising, in a press release.

"Our goal was to source a coffee that could carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal and provide a great-tasting addition to our selection of fresh-brewed coffees," Smith continued. "The Rainforest Alliance got its start in Central America, which also happens to be where some of the world's best coffee beans are grown. The Matagalpa Nicaragua coffee got rave reviews in taste tests."

7-Eleven announced in July that it was working with Conservation International (CI) to set measurable corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals to reduce its environmental footprint. 7-Eleven's CSR mission has three focus areas: planet, products and people. The retailer also joined CI's Business and Sustainability Council, a forum for corporate leaders taking positive environmental actions in their businesses, to explore mutually beneficial ways to further reduce its environmental impact.