COFFEE GETS ANOTHER CHANCE
For decades, Caquetá – nestled deep in the heart of the Colombian Amazon – has been home to conflict and civil unrest. The 52-year-long guerrilla war marked the longest civil war the Americas has ever seen, leading to the displacement of millions, including many coffee farmers. Despite retaining its position as the world’s third biggest coffee producer, Colombia’s coffee trade was heavily impacted.
In November 2016, President Juan Manuel Santos signed a peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), paving the way for many civilians to return to their homes, and providing hope for the revival of coffee farming in affected areas.
A SYMBOL OF OPTIMISM
Now, Caquéta has become a symbol of optimism for Colombia.
In post-conflict zones, including Caquéta, Nespresso has committed to extending its coffee sourcing program, increasing the amount of coffee purchased by up to five times in 2018, as part of a $50 million investment in sustainable high-quality production in Colombia.
On the ground, we’re also providing first-hand support in reintegrating farmers into the coffee trade. Our Nespresso agronomists have already started working with over 500 producers in the region, helping them improve their quality, productivity and sustainability as part of our AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. High-quality coffee production offers a positive, viable alternative to the cultivation of illicit crops. These farmers join the 33,000 that already form part of our program in Colombia, launched in 2004.
PARTNERSHIPS ARE FUNDAMENTAL
As we’re supporting farmers in reviving farms that were abandoned decades ago, investing in training and providing technical support is critical. In San Vincente, in the province of Caquéta, the implementation of the program is being coordinated with the help of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC).
The Colombian government expects the re-emergence of these farms to boost the country’s coffee output by 40% by 2020, which means global supplies of mild arabica beans would increase by 13%. In 2018, FNC expects to see production grow to 18 million bags, an increase from 14 million bags in 2016.
JUAN MANUEL SANTOS, FORMER PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA"COLOMBIAN COFFEE IS THE FINEST IN THE WORLD. I WELCOME NESPRESSO'S COMMITMENT TO OUR COUNTRY, WHICH HIGHLIGHTS THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT PEACE OPENS FOR COLOMBIA."
AURORA DE LA PAZ
The launch of our new Aurora de la Paz is one of the many fruits of this endeavour. Meaning ‘Dawn of Peace’, this coffee is dedicated to the farmers who continue to preserve and grow coffee, even in the most challenging conditions. This fully-washed arabica is cultivated in a unique climate, with low temperatures and high humidity, where cold and warm winds meet – resulting in a rare coffee that is rich, lightly acidic and fruity.
