High hopes, low prices

Nestlé holds the top position in the global coffee business. The Swiss multinational also wants to be a leader in terms of ethical behaviour. From 2025, its coffee will be sourced 100 percent from “responsible” production; or so it promises. However, Nestlé pursues a ruthless purchasing policy, particularly for its instant coffee. The farmers pay the price, as our research in the Soconusco coffee-growing region of Southern Mexico has shown. We had scarcely arrived in the region, when we found ourselves in the middle of angry protests against Nestlé.

Area of focus: Coffee

Author(s): Florian Blumer, Carla Hoinkes, Mariana Morales

Organisation/institution: Public Eye