International Coffee Day: Regenerative Farming at Nestlé

International Coffee Day is a worldwide celebration of the drink, the workers who grow the beans and baristas who brew it. The event also highlights the coffee supply chain and the efforts being taken to decrease the carbon emissions associated with coffee farming.

First launched in Milan at Expo 2015, this event was set up by the International Coffee Organisation, with a goal of fighting the challenges facing the coffee industry.

Starbucks celebrates international Coffee Day with a new launch

Brazil is the largest coffee producer, followed by Vietnam and Colombia, but it is Finland which consumes the most coffee, averaging 12kg per person, per year. 

Yet the world’s most popular beverage was discovered by accident. When 9th century goat herders in Ethiopia noticed that their goats appeared to ‘dance’ after eating a different plant, they brewed a few of the unknown beans for themselves - and coffee was born.

Now, in celebration of International Coffee Day, Starbucks has introduced Starbucks® Milano Duetto.

Created by Starbucks roasters in Milan and Seattle, the Milano Duetto is one blend, expressed through a light roast, Starbucks® Milano Sole and a dark roast, Starbucks® Milano Luna. The coffee blend is crafted from beans grown in Colombia and Sumatra.

“For Starbucks, coffee has always been a lens through which we see the world – a world rich in diversity, tradition and innovation,” said Michelle Burns, Executive Vice President, Global Coffee and Sustainability. “Milan’s rich coffee culture - which served as the inspiration for Starbucks coffeehouse culture – and Starbucks 50+ year history and expertise in coffee roasting have inspired this new line of limited-release, special edition coffees, Starbucks Milano Sole and Starbucks Milano Luna.”

"The best way to understand the nuances and the effect roasting has on the coffee creation process is to compare the same blend roasted two different ways,” said Sergio Alvarez, a 15-year partner employee and coffee developer who was part of the team that crafted Starbucks Milano Duetto. “Our hope is that after tasting these coffees, our partners and customers are inspired, and perhaps have that ‘aha’ moment that many baristas have when tasting coffee. The moment where one wants to learn more.”

Regenerative coffee farming at Nestlé

Did you know that the coffee bean is actually classed as a fruit? Sadly, one cup of coffee does not count as one of your five-a-day.

Nestlé is one of the world's biggest coffee companies, with brands such as Nescafé and Nespresso. But that’s a lot of beans to farm - and a significant carbon footprint. That’s why Nestlé supports over 150,000 local coffee farmers' transition to regenerative practices, which not only increase yields, but also improve farmers' incomes. 

Lea Drusio is the Director Corporate Communications Central European Region at Nestlé Purina PetCare. She is based in Germany and recently joined the company. 

“As I approach the milestone of my ‘First 100 Days’ at Nestlé Nespresso SA, I often get asked what impressed me most during these first three months. The answer is as easy as it is complex: Our holistic approach when it comes to sustainability and how everyone in the company is committed to be part of the positive change that is needed. Sustainability is deeply rooted in our DNA,” she shared. “Today, on International Coffee Day, I hope most of you will enjoy your morning cup a bit more than usual. But to keep celebrating coffee for years to come, we must raise awareness of the challenges it faces. Because coffee is at risk and the consequences of climate change affect the annual harvests.”

Over in Himachal Pradesh, India, one of Nestlé’s Production Technicians, Satwinder Singh, also celebrated Nestlé’s role in coffee culture. 

"Today, we celebrate the joy that coffee brings to our lives,” he posted. “Nestlé is the key player in the coffee world, offering everything from classic NesCafé to luxurious Nespresso. Let’s take a moment to enjoy our favourite brews and appreciate the connections coffee fosters, whether it’s a quiet morning or a fun get-together. Cheers to coffee lovers everywhere!"

On behalf of the world's coffee drinkers, thank you to all of the farmers, baristas and everyone else involved in coffee culture. 

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