Nescafé's Regenerative Farming – CoffeeTalk

Nestlé and Nescafé are committing to regenerative agriculture in coffee farming, with the aim of sourcing at least 50% of its coffee through this approach by 2030. The company’s mid-term sustainability strategy, Nescafé Plan 2030, aims to reduce emissions, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and drive regenerative farming across 20 countries. The initiative, launched in 2022, proposes a US$1.18bn investment in regenerative farming as the company strives to achieve net zero.

The latest Nescafé Plan 2030 Progress Report revealed promising signs in the company’s journey towards sustainable sourcing. Over 20% of Nescafé coffee now originates from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture, a significant increase in environmental footprint. This more considerate approach to farming has actually improved yields, with farmers in Honduras, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam experiencing a yield 5-25% higher than in 2022. These findings were ratified independently by the Rainforest Alliance, who also certified a 15-30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for every kilo of coffee Nescafé harvested.

Nescafé’s Group Head of ESG, Sustainability Strategy and Deployment, Antonio Wanner, hails the comprehensive nature of the Nescafé Plan 2030, focusing on nurturing the communities behind it. In 2023 alone, Nescafé has handed out 21 million coffee plantlets to farmers, aiding in the revamp and rejuvenation of coffee plots. This endeavor not only enhances output but also strengthens the supply chain resilience at the source.

Deeply invested in ESG principles, Nescafé is tackling gender disparities within its operations, aiming to uplift female farmers who encounter distinct obstacles in the predominantly male coffee sector. In Vietnam alone, the strategy collaborates with over 21,000 coffee-farming families, a significant number helmed by women, to promote regenerative practices and provide indispensable training.

With farmer training programs benefiting nearly 150,000 farmers across 16 nations, this exchange of knowledge is crucial for empowering farmers with the skills needed to augment their incomes and thrive. As Nescafé perpetuates its supply chain transformation, its impact ripples across the coffee industry, benefiting farmers, Nescafé, and consumers who can enjoy a cuppa in the knowledge that it is sustainable.

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