Discover how coffee plantlets make a big difference

The past drought that happened wasn't as harmful because this plantlet is more resistant to the sun. It doesn’t need a lot of water or shade to survive.

José Mendez,

Farmer, Unión Juárez, in Mexico

How NESCAFÉ^® is helping to protect the world of coffee for farmers

Person holding a tablet on a coffee farm

What do we do?

At the core of our action, there are improved varieties of plantlets that have demonstrated greater resilience to climate change in local conditions.

NESCAFÉ^® also supports farmers with social and educational platforms, encouraging farmers to plan and plant ahead.

Coffee farmers standing in front of coffee plants

Who is involved?

Since 2010, we have distributed plantlets in more than 6 countries, involving thousands of farmers. In Mexico for example, around 5,300 coffee farmers a year, for the past 4 years, have benefitted from our plantlets. Those farmers can then decide to sell the coffee to NESCAFÉ^® suppliers.

And with more 800 agronomists and specialist staff working with coffee farmers around the world, we make sure that the support does not stop at the planting stage.

Person holding a coffee plantlet in their hand

What is the impact?

Globally, we’ve distributed 310 million plantlets and counting. Plantlets have been developed to answer local needs. For instance, the variety released in Mexico has proven to triple farmer's yield when provided with proper care and optimal growing conditions – meaning farmers can make more use of their land.

Better yield, less carbon emissions

Compared to standard varieties, plantlets of new varieties can deliver up to 50% higher yields per tree. Because more coffee can be produced using the same amount of land, fertilizer and energy, the trial results have seen up to 30% reduction of CO2e footprint.

Helping mitigate weather impact

The plantlets coupled with the implementation of regenerative agricultural practices, are helping farmers to deal with adverse weather conditions.

Already 150 000 hectares

Since 2010, more than 310 million high-yielding and disease-resistant coffee plantlets have been distributed worldwide to farmers, which equal to more than 150 000 hectares-equivalent of farm renovation.

Coffee farmer looking up at trees on his coffee farm

Naturally bred

Since 1986, NESCAFÉ^®’s scientists have worked on improving the resilience of coffee trees through classical breeding techniques and by harnessing the plant's natural biodiversity. It takes between 15 to 20 years to perfect, test and release each new variety.