Nestlé has introduced Star 4, a new high-yielding Arabica coffee variety designed to withstand the impacts of climate change, as part of its ongoing efforts to secure a sustainable coffee supply chain. The company’s research indicates that areas suitable for Arabica cultivation could be halved by 2050 due to climate shifts. To address this, Nestlé’s plant scientists employed traditional breeding methods to develop Star 4, which boasts a larger bean size and resistance to Coffee Rust, coupled with substantial yield improvements over existing Brazilian varieties. This innovation not only enhances productivity but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with coffee farming. Nestlé emphasizes the importance of optimizing cultivation practices to mitigate the environmental impact of coffee production. The new variety is already being tested in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil, in collaboration with Procafé. Additionally, Nestlé is expanding its portfolio with two new Robusta varieties, Roubi One and Roubi Two, set to launch in Mexico.
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