Numi Organic Tea Introduces Fair Labor Practices Program

OAKLAND, Calif., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Numi Organic Tea introduced their Fair Labor Practices (FLP) program today, a verification program focused on improved labor and workplace conditions throughout Numi's foreign supply chain.

The FLP program is designed to verify the agricultural and social standards of any agricultural supply chain, with annual 3^rd party audits conducted by SCS Global Services (SCS) or other authorized verification bodies.   Numi's innovative new program is unique in several ways:

• Environmental Compliance:  Organic certification is a prerequisite for participation.
• Entire Supply Chain:  Each player within the supply chain is audited, providing end-to-end transparency and verification.
• Continuous Improvement:   Requires continuous improvement, rather than simple pass-fail scoring.
• Direct Partnerships:  Encourages companies to assume a direct role in the social development of their supply chain.
• Complementary to Fair Trade Certification:  Applicable to individual products or entire supply chains, so brands can verify the portions of their supply chain not covered by Fair Trade (shipping, packaging).

Numi has required compliance based on the FLP program throughout multiple Chinese supply chain partners for more than four years.  By the end of 2013, all six organic pu-erh tea blends, the Indulgent Pu-erh Tea Collection gift set, High Mountain Black Brewed Iced Tea and Chinese Breakfast Tea will be verified under the program.

"Fair Labor Practices is our guidebook for continuous improvement," says Brian Durkee, VP of Operations for Numi Organic Tea.  "We take great care in developing meaningful relationships with our suppliers, and this program helps us accomplish that."

The Fair Labor Practices standard was developed by Numi and SCS Global Services (SCS) in 2007.  With the program under Numi's ownership, SCS will continue to provide third-party compliance auditing services, and work jointly on an update to the standard.   In addition to expanding the program within its own supply chain, Numi intends to offer the social responsibility label to brands across multiple categories through the Numi Foundation. 

NUMI ORGANIC TEA
Founded in 1999 by brother and sister team Ahmed Rahim (the alchemist) and Reem Rahim (the artist), Numi Organic Tea is a purveyor of premium quality organic and fair trade certified teas and teasans. All Numi products are packaged in recycled-boxes and non-GMO verified biodegradable bags and are available in retail outlets worldwide and online at www.NumiTea.com. An award-winning social enterprise and founding B-Corporation member, Numi supports community development projects worldwide.

SCS GLOBAL SERVICES
SCS Global Services (SCS) has provided global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Its programs span multiple industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more.  SCS is a Certified B Corp™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

THE NUMI FOUNDATION
The Numi Foundation's mission is to foster thriving communities by supporting initiatives that nurture art, education, health and our natural environment. Learn more at www.NumiFoundation.org

SOURCE Numi Organic Tea