Each bag sold gives $5 directly to up North Pride or Friends of the Traverse Area District Library—two incredible local organizations doing important work in our community.
COFFEE FOR CHANGE
In Celebration of the release of Chasten Buttigieg's book
Papa’s Coming Home
- NOW ROASTING -
PERUVIAN APEX GOLD SERIES
HOMER ALARCON
GAYOSO
Passion Fruit
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Sweet
*Limited time only
We've sold Homer's coffee for year's, and it is consistently top-notch and excellent.
JEINNER CUBAS
VASQUEZ
Star Fruit
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Bright
*Limited time only
When it comes to complexity, versatility, and excitement, Jeinner's Geisha is unmatched.
MIGUEL PADILLA CHINGUEL
Milk Chocolate
Carrot Cake
Salted Caramel
*Limited time only
Miguel's coffee wins awards for a reason. It's a lighter roast that will be the star of any breakfast
OMER
HELERA
Cocoa Powder
Molasses
Citrus
*Limited time only
Omer's coffee provides a great template for highlighting a medium, even medium/dark roast.
WRC Blend:
WRC Blend for Sexual Assaul Awareness Month.
Higher Grounds Trading has partnered with the Women's Resource Center (WRC) to create the WRC Blend, a special coffee supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For every bag sold, $5 is donated directly to WRC to fund their critical services, including shelter, advocacy, and crisis support.
COFFEE FOR CHANGE
Each bag sold gives $5 directly to WRC, We are proud to use our platform to elevate their message and encourage action.
OUR STORY
True sustainability is only possible through a human-centric approach.
At every touchpoint along the supply chain--farmers, co-ops, roasters, buyers, baristas, and consumers--we advocate for not just the highest standards in coffee, but the highest standards of human life and respect.
Why Is Our Pricing Different?
Fairtrade Minimum Price
Fairtrade Minimum Price for washed arabica coffee is $1.80 ($2.20 organic) / lb



Commodity Price
The floor price for trading in arabica grade coffee fluctuates with the global market.
USDA Organic Certified
Coffee All of the coffee we source is from USDA organic certified farmers. +$0.40 / lb



Fair Trade Premium
Fair Trade Premium is a separate payment from the coffee price itself. It does not go to individual farmers but is managed by their cooperative +$0.40 / lb
Above & Beyond
On top of our superior pricing model Higher Grounds donates at least 1% of our profits to On the Ground, our partner nonprofit 1% For the Farmers.

How We Source Ethically
Cooperative Coffees exists to import high-quality, organic green coffee from small-scale farmer organizations to build long-term relationships and foster fair and equitable trading practices. Unlike conventional import models, we source exclusively from farmer-led cooperatives—organizations founded and democratically governed by the farmers themselves. These co-ops reinvest in their communities, driving sustainable development while producing exceptional specialty coffee. By working cooperatively, our 23 member-owner roasters ensure that more value stays at origin, strengthening farming communities and creating a more just, resilient supply chain. Our goal is to make coffee growing a sustainable and beneficial endeavor for farmer families and their communities. Our model prioritizes transparency, fair pricing, and shared success, proving that ethical trade can go beyond certification to create lasting impact while delivering the highest quality coffee.
Who Benefits?
GREAT COFFEE HELPS EVERYONE
FARMERS
THRIVE
Ethically Sourced Fair prices and community investments create long-term stability.
THE PLANET WINS
Organic farming supports sustainability and biodiversity.
BETTER COFFEE FOR YOU
Higher quality beans, ethically sourced, locally roasted and rich in flavor.
AWAKEN
FOR SPRING
We made it through winter and spring has never felt so good! To welcome the new season, celebrate the rebirth of Awaken Spring Blend. A lively blend to usher in spring, crafted with Guatemalan, Ethiopian and Colombian coffees, Awaken is more than just a delicious cup.
THE
LEARNING
LAB
FARMER
PARTNERS
MERCH
+
GIFTS
SUBSCRIPTIONS
GET THE BREWSLETTER
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HIGHER GROUNDS
TRADING
TRAVESE CITY, MICHIGAN
COFFEE BAR
ROASTERY
EST. 2002