Response by Nestlé in relation to the report regarding its Mexican coffee supply chain
We believe that the allegations in this report misrepresent the nature of our coffee sourcing approach in Mexico.
Globally, we purchase 93% responsibly sourced coffee, meaning that the coffee we buy is traced back and segregated to identified farmer groups. We aim to achieve 100% responsibly sourced coffee by 2025, with the goal of having all our coffee traceable and segregated to identified farmer groups. These farmer groups undergo regular certification or verification by independent third parties, such as 4C Services, who verify that the sustainability standards we require for our programs are met. Local accredited auditors evaluate on-the-ground practices against those sustainability standard criteria, which include social, environmental, economic, and health and safety conditions on the farms.
Additionally, through the Nescafe plan, Nestlé has worked to tackle some of the systemic issues mentioned in the report by implementing and enabling actions geared towards better social and economic conditions for the farmers participating in the Nescafe Plan field programs, such as:
- We provide on-the-ground training and technical assistance through our agronomists to help coffee farmers (most of whom are smallholders) achieve efficiencies, and reduce input costs (e.g., of organic fertilizers).
- Plantlet distribution of arabica and robusta improved varieties, depending on the agro-ecological conditions of the location of the farmers. This coffee plantlet distribution is to help farmers to renew their plantations and increase their productivity, resilience and income.
- Promotion of regenerative agriculture practices
- Additionally, through our Agriculture Services team, we keep constant engagement with the farmers participating in the Nescafé Plan.
We strongly believe that coffee farmers should earn a sufficient income to maintain a decent standard of living for them and their families. In Mexico, the price we paid to the coffee mills (our direct suppliers) in the 2024-2025 buying season is historically the highest we have ever paid, reflecting the high global market price for Robusta beans.
Nestlé does not purchase coffee directly from the farmers; we buy directly from suppliers who mill and prepare the coffee for our factories.
Nestlé Mexico is completely unrelated to the mentioned conflict of AMSA. Any specific request in this respect should be channeled to AMSA.
All our coffee operations comply with local laws and international standards. If indications are found that these standards are not followed, we will investigate and take corrective actions as needed. People and respect for human rights are at the core of Nestlé’s culture and values and one of our Corporate Business Principles.