The FINANCIAL — More coffee farmers in Colombia will have the opportunity to improve the quality of their crop and the sustainability of their farming practices after Nespresso committed to five more years of investment in its sustainability programme in the country.
Nestlé’s premium portioned coffee brand will invest USD 10 million (about CHF 9 million) a year for the next five years in the ‘Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Programme’ in Colombia, adding to USD 30 million already invested.
About three quarters of the money spent each year will be used to offer incentives to farmers to adopt the AAA programme’s sustainable quality practices.
The rest will be allocated to providing technical assistance and training to help farmers improve coffee quality, sustainability and productivity.
“Proud of our cooperation” — In Colombia, Nespresso works in partnership with the Colombian Coffee Growers’ Federation (FNC) to source sustainable, high quality coffee for consumers.
“We are extremely proud of our cooperation with Nespresso,” said Luis G. Muñoz, Chief Executive Officer of the FNC.
“It is clear that when roasters take the time to understand how to collaborate effectively with farmers, the results are much more effective.
“This partnership has made a significant difference to coffee growers, consumers and perhaps the industry as a whole.”
Tripled volume
Nespresso buys coffee directly from more than 37,000 Colombian farmers through its AAA programme in collaboration with the FNC and its partners.
In 2011 Nespresso sourced about one quarter of its total coffee supply from Colombia.
The company has tripled the volume of coffee it sources through the programme in Colombia over the past six years.
Confidence in Colombia — “We are pleased to announce the continuation of our long-term commitment to Colombia and Colombian farmers by extending our partnership with FNC,” said Guillaume Le Cunff, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at Nestlé Nespresso S.A.
“This new investment confirms the key role Colombia and its farmers play in securing coffees of exceptional quality for Nespresso.
“It reflects our confidence in the future of coffee growing in Colombia,” he added.
Innovative blends
Today, farmers from five main regional districts of Colombia – Cauca, Nariño, Caldas, Antioquia and Huila – participate in the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Programme.
According to Nestlé, they represent 80% of all farmers taking part in the programme worldwide.
Nespresso has worked closely with its Colombian partners to produce a number of innovative ‘Grand Cru’ coffee varieties.
These include Rosabaya de Colombia, created using coffee from a single origin rather than a mixture, and limited edition Dhjana, produced exclusively with coffee from the AAA programme.
The company created its Naora limited edition blend for spring 2012 using a ground-breaking late harvest technique with coffee beans from the regions of Santander and Tolima.
Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Programme
Nespresso launched its ‘AAA Sustainable Quality Programme’ in collaboration with international non-government organisation the Rainforest Alliance in 2003.
It aims to provide the highest quality coffee to consumers and protect the natural environment, while improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers.
Nespresso hopes to source 80% of its overall coffee supply through the AAA programme, with Rainforest Alliance certification, by 2013.
