Nestlé and ILO launch new project to improve labour rights in coffee supply chains
Nestlé and ILO expand partnership with new project targeting labour rights, fair recruitment, and worker protection across coffee supply chains in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
SOUTH AMERICA – Nestlé and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have expanded their long-standing partnership with the launch of a new two-year project aimed at strengthening labour rights in coffee supply chains across Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
The initiative, titled “From fair recruitment to worker protection in coffee supply chains,” will focus on promoting decent work and addressing labour-related risks, particularly among seasonal and migrant workers.
The ILO will lead efforts to facilitate dialogue among governments, employers, and workers’ organizations to identify key challenges affecting labour conditions in coffee production. These discussions are expected to inform targeted interventions at the country level, aimed at improving recruitment practices and safeguarding workers’ rights.
Dan Rees, Director of the ILO Priority Action Programme on Decent Work in Supply Chains, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “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 and promote decent work and contribute to more sustainable supply chains,” he said.
The project will also support global knowledge-sharing across the coffee sector, enabling stakeholders to exchange best practices and improve standards across multiple markets.
Antje Shaw, Head of Sustainability for Coffee at Nestlé, said the partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting human rights.
“Our partnership with the ILO represents a significant step to advancing and promoting human rights in coffee supply chains. By working together, we can progress faster in creating more resilient and inclusive coffee value chains, where workers are treated with dignity,” she said.
The initiative is supported by the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé’s global sustainability programme, and aligns with the ILO Fair Recruitment Initiative, which promotes fair recruitment principles worldwide.
It also contributes to the ILO’s Safety + Health for All programme, including the Vision Zero Fund, which focuses on ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in supply chains.
Nestlé is a founding member of the ILO-convened Child Labour Platform and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving labour standards in agricultural supply chains.
Separately, Nestlé continues to evaluate strategic options for its European water business, with private equity firms Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, KKR, and PAI Partners advancing to the next round of bidding for a 50% stake.
ign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
