Nestle: to invest in post-conflict Colombian coffee

Vevey / CH. (nsa) Nespresso – Swiss Nestle S.A. – has announced that it will expand its coffee-sourcing programme into several former conflict zones in Colombia for the first time. The move comes as part of a CHF 49 million (USD 50 million) investment in sustainable high-quality coffee cultivation.

The pledge builds on Nespresso’s long-term commitment to Colombian coffee and its efforts to improve production in regions previously impacted by the conflict. Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos welcomed the company’s commitment, citing the investment as an important contribution to the development of post-conflict areas as he addressed the Nespresso Sustainability Advisory Board.

Nespresso’s continued success depends on sourcing exceptional coffee. Coffee is one of four high-growth categories where Nestle is increasingly focusing capital spending. The others are infant nutrition, petcare and bottled water.

Nespresso’s agronomists have already started working with more than 500 producers in the Caquetá region in order to implement its «AAA Sustainable Quality» Program. The program works directly with farmers to improve their productivity, quality and sustainability by sharing good practice, providing technical assistance, and improving standards in farmers’ environmental and social welfare.

bakenet:eu