Brewing more than just coffee, Southwest Airlines partnered with Louisiana’s Community Coffee in March 2016. The airline sought a rich, smooth roast for its inflight service, turning to the family-owned brand with four generations of coffee expertise. Coffee sourcing centered on Chiapas, Mexico—a region known for quality beans—with programs to support farmers through the ECOM Foundation. Despite the precarious and dangerous road replacing the grueling 12-14 hour mule journey, farmers prioritized transporting their beans to sustain the partnership’s educational mission. The partnership advantages extended beyond the cabin, funding education and sustainable farming in rural communities.
Southwest’s switch to Community Coffee substituted prior brands, making it the exclusive hot coffee on all flights starting March 1, 2016. The Community Signature Blend was chosen for its smoothness at 30,000 feet, appealing to passengers seeking regional flavor. Proceeds from sales helped Mexican coffee-farming families access additional education and agricultural training, aiming to stabilize livelihoods in Chiapas. Environmental efforts promoted eco-friendly farming, balancing quality with ethical practices.
The partnership tied Southwest’s supply chain to Chiapas growers, uplifting local economies through increased demand. Training programs strengthened farmers’ abilities to meet airline volume needs while improving their incomes. For Community Coffee, the deal amplified national visibility as one of America’s fastest-growing brands. A social media contest under the “Community in My Suitcase” campaign invited travelers to share photos of their in-flight coffee moments for a chance to win a $500 travel gift card. Southwest gained a customer-friendly perk, distinguishing its service with a regional favorite.
In 2023, Southwest announced it would end its seven-year partnership with Community Coffee, shifting to Peet’s Coffee. The move surprised frequent flyers accustomed to the Louisiana brand’s Signature Blend. While Southwest hasn’t detailed reasons for the change, it highlights Peet’s as its new premium offering. Community Coffee acknowledged the shift, expressing pride in its impact on Mexican communities.
The airline’s pivot leaves questions about the future of Chiapas-linked programs. Southwest stated it remains committed to sustainability but didn’t clarify if Peet’s will adopt similar initiatives. For now, Community Coffee’s legacy includes millions of cups served and lasting support for coffee-growing families—a blend of business and social responsibility that defined its time onboard.
