Nescafé, the popular instant coffee brand, has exceeded its 2025 goal of sourcing 20% of its coffee from farmers utilizing regenerative agriculture practices. Last year, Nescafé sourced 32% of its coffee from such farmers, showcasing significant progress in sustainability efforts. This achievement was announced by Nestlé, the parent company of Nescafé, on Wednesday.
In 2022, Nescafé launched the “Nescafé Plan 2030” program to assist farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with coffee production. Farmers who participated in this program saw a reduction in emissions ranging from 20% to 40% per kilogram of unroasted coffee beans. The ultimate goal for Nescafé is to decrease its overall carbon footprint and source half of its coffee from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture.
The Nescafé Plan 2030 program encourages farmers to adopt various regenerative agriculture practices, including optimizing fertilization to improve soil health and quality, planting cover crops to enhance biodiversity and reduce the need for agrochemicals, and engaging in land restoration by planting native trees to capture carbon dioxide and improve water management.
Furthermore, the program focuses on improving the livelihoods of farmers and their communities, with a strong emphasis on social initiatives such as human rights and child protection. Nescafé is committed to monitoring and improving the rights of children and workers within its supply chains.
A recent analysis by the Carbon Disclosure Project revealed that climate change could significantly impact the land suitable for coffee cultivation, highlighting the importance of incorporating regenerative agriculture practices to mitigate environmental challenges. The study also emphasized that a large portion of coffee’s carbon footprint is generated before the beans even leave the farm, underscoring the urgency of sustainable farming practices.
Axel Touzet, head of Nestlé’s coffee brands strategic business unit, expressed optimism about the increased adoption of regenerative agriculture practices among farmers. He emphasized the importance of continuing collaborative efforts with partners, suppliers, and farmers to further enhance sustainability in coffee sourcing regions.
Overall, Nescafé’s progress in surpassing its regenerative agriculture goals demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices in the coffee industry. By prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility, Nescafé sets a positive example for the food and beverage sector.
