Nestlé Invests in Coffee Supply Chain

The food giant has developed a novel high-yielding coffee variety.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

July 12, 2024

1 Min Read
Nestlé aims to bolster coffee supply chain
Nestlé also developed two Robusta coffee varieties that will be introduced in Mexico.Nestlé

Recent climate change modeling suggests that land suitable to grow Arabica coffee might be reduced by over 50% by 2050. To mitigate the impact of these changes on the coffee supply chain and to ensure that sustainably grown coffee is available to future generations, Nestlé is harnessing its agricultural sciences capabilities.

Using traditional breeding methods, Nestlé plant scientists and agronomists have developed Star 4, a novel high-yielding Arabica coffee variety. Selected in Brazil for its resilience, the new variety also possesses the characteristic taste of Brazilian coffee.

"... The new variety is characterized by its larger bean size and coffee leaf rust resistance. Our field trials have demonstrated that, using similar inputs, the yields of Star 4 are substantially higher than the two most used Brazilian local varieties, which reduces its carbon footprint," said Jeroen Dijkman, head of Nestlé’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences.

Check out this video to see the process:

Reduced GHG emissions from higher coffee yields are attributed to improved plant productivity as well as farming methods. According to Marcelo Burity, Nestlé’s Head of Green Coffee Development, "Optimizing cultivation practices remains vital, as they are the primary factor contributing to the environmental impact of a cup of coffee." The largest share of GHG emissions in the process of obtaining ground coffee originates from its cultivation.

In addition to Star 4, Nestlé previously developed two Robusta varieties Roubi 1 and 2, which are being rolled out in Mexico.

About the Author

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and IT.

Sign up for the Powder & Bulk Solids Weekly newsletter.

You May Also Like