FLA conducted the first assessment in Nespresso’s supply chain in its Fraijanes coffee cluster in Guatemala in March 2021. Fraijanes is in the southwest part of Guatemala and is one of the oldest coffee-producing regions in that country. In the Fraijanes cluster, Nespresso sources coffee through a federation of cooperatives and a European exporter. The cluster includes one large farm and about 432 smallholder farms. Most smallholder farmers labor on their farms with the assistance of their families and neighbors. Seasonal employees are hired when needed.
In March 2021, FLA visited 16 farms in Fraijanes, interviewing farmers, agronomists, and 52 coffee harvesters and observing their working conditions. In addition, FLA surveyed 36 stakeholders including companies, suppliers, cooperatives, and local civil society organizations focusing on child labor and other labor rights enshrined in international laws, norms, and standards.
The goal of the assessment was to evaluate conditions for workers and provide recommendations on how Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable Quality Program could be enhanced to better protect children and workers in Guatemala and other sourcing countries. The executive summary of the baseline assessment outlines our observations and recommendations, and Nespresso’s actions from 2021-2024 on five key themes:
- Clarity about child labor among Nespresso’s supply chain partners;
- Worker consultation and engagement in monitoring and remediation;
- Strengthening grievance mechanisms;
- Engagement with civil society organizations; and
- Worker health and safety requirements.