Global food and beverage company Nestlé and the International Labor Organization (ILO) announced today the launch of a new two-year project, aimed at advancing the protection of rights for workers in coffee supply chains in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
Nestlé said that the project is supported by the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé’s global sustainability program for the flagship coffee brand. Nestlé launched its initial Nescafé Plan in 2010, and updated it in 2022 with a new Nescafé Plan 2030, which included a commitment of more than $1 billion to improve the sustainability of coffee farming and support farmers in transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices. Approximately 125 million people depend on coffee for their livelihoods, with around 80% of coffee-farming families living at or below the poverty line.
Under the new initiative, ILO will facilitate social dialogue among governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations to identify and address key drivers of decent work deficits and labor-related risks in coffee supply chains, with insights from the engagement then informing the implementation of targeted country-level interventions to promote fair recruitment practices and labor rights, as well as supporting global knowledge-sharing across the coffee sector.
Antje Shaw, Head of Sustainability for Coffee at Nestlé said:
“Our partnership with the ILO represents a significant step toward advancing and promoting human rights in coffee supply chains. By working together, we can accelerate progress in building more resilient and inclusive coffee value chains, where workers are treated with dignity.”
According to the ILO, the new project will contribute to its Fair Recruitment Initiative, which promotes the implementation of fair recruitment principles worldwide. The initiative will also support ILO’s Safety + Health for All Flagship Program, particularly its Vision Zero Fund, focused on advancing safe and healthy working conditions in supply chains.
Dan Rees, Director of the ILO Priority Action Program on Decent Work in Supply Chains said:
“Coffee production sustains the livelihoods of approximately 20–25 million families worldwide, generating vital income and employment. However, decent work deficits in coffee supply chains persist, particularly among seasonal and migrant workers. Through this project, we aim to advance labour rights, promote decent work, and contribute to more sustainable supply chains.”
