Which of the following is NOT among the four criteria that make up C.A.F.E. Practices?

C.A.F.E. Practices, which stands for Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices, is a set of guidelines established by Starbucks to promote sustainability and ethical sourcing in coffee production. The four criteria that constitute C.A.F.E. Practices are designed to ensure that coffee is sourced in a way that is beneficial to farmers, the environment, and the community.

Quality is essential because it emphasizes the importance of high-grade coffee beans and the overall quality of the coffee experience for customers. Social Responsibility pertains to the fair treatment and welfare of farmers and workers, ensuring that their rights are respected and that they receive fair compensation for their work. Environmental Leadership focuses on responsible farming practices that protect the ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

Profit Maximization, however, is not one of the four criteria. While maintaining profitability is a goal for any business, including Starbucks, it does not align with the core values of C.A.F.E. Practices, which prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability over merely maximizing profits. Profitability may be an outcome of adhering to these practices, but it is not a guiding criterion within the framework. Thus, recognizing the emphasis on quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship helps clarify why profit maximization is not included in these principles.