Blockchain technology helps Nespresso’s customers track their coffee

In line with its sustainability strategy, Nespresso is launching a new service that enables tracking of coffee. The tracking is done with the help of blockchain technology that gives consumers the opportunity to get information about the origin of coffee.
According to Nespresso, the goal is a fair production chain and greater transparency. Among the information that can be traced is detailed information about which farmer grew the beans, for which compensation, regional origin and other necessary information that ensures that coffee production is fair through all production steps. Traceability is currently available for Reviving Origins Kahwa ya Congo, which is part of Nespresso’s organic range, but there is no doubt that the same tracking technology may be introduced for other products as well.

The tracking technology stands out

The technology behind traceability is revolutionary and tracks every coffee produced from over 1,400 beans in Kicu, Democratic Republic of Congo. The complex system thus registers the volume of coffee that each farmer has contributed. The system also verifies the delivery and compensates each farmer with a compensation for the amount of coffee they have contributed. According to Nespresso, consumers can already trace the coffee sold under the brand “Reviving Origins Kahwa ya Congo”. The tracking can be done online on Nespresso’s website but also in the app. In a press release, Nespresso writes about the new system and how the technology has developed. OpenSC and BGC Digital Ventures are two players that have been involved in the creation of the tracking system. – We want to help consumers get a clearer picture of how Nespresso works with sustainability and coffee quality. Therefore, we look forward to consumers around the world now being able to become aware of how and who produces the coffee they drink daily, says Sofia Strandberg, Nordic sustainability manager at Nespresso.

Supports areas where conditions are difficult

The tracking capability goes hand in hand with Nespresso’s major sustainability work, which already includes the Reviving Origins initiatives and the AAA Sustainable Quality Program. Now the company goes one step further towards strengthening production opportunities for farmers in areas where conditions are difficult. In accordance with the AAA Suatainable Quality Program, Nespresso supports production regions where the supply conditions of production as well as the local population are threatened. In accordance with the program, the company offers training to its coffee farmers and makes clean water stations available. The initiative also includes health services, Nespresso writes in its press release. An ambitious goal by 2026 is to train 8,000 farmers. The company thus aims for 45% of these to be women. – We have long worked to support coffee farmers and cooperatives in regions where coffee production is threatened. I am proud that customers now have the opportunity to take part in the origin of coffee. Transparency is an important key to ensuring accountability and complements both eco-labels and certifications, says Sofia Strandberg. According to Nespresso, “Kahawa ya Congo” is the very first seasonal coffee in the Reviving Origins series that is organic. Coffee Reviving Origins Kahawa ya Congo is a smooth and fruity seasonal coffee from the volcanic shores of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Aluminum: a natural material that both protects and can be recycled

In the production of coffee capsules, Nespresso uses aluminum. The material works excellently to protect the quality of the coffee and is recyclable. In Sweden, used capsules can be disposed of at more than 5,800 recycling stations or in one of Nespresso’s official stores.