Nestlé–ILO Launch Global Initiative to Tackle Labour Risks in Coffee Supply Chains in Latin America

In a major push to improve labour standards in one of the world's most valuable agricultural sectors, Nestlé and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have announced a new two-year global initiative aimed at strengthening worker protections and promoting fair recruitment practices in coffee supply chains.

The project, titled "From Fair Recruitment to Worker Protection in Coffee Supply Chains," will focus on three of the world's key coffee-producing countries—Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico—where millions of workers depend on the sector for their livelihoods.

Addressing Systemic Labour Challenges in a Global Industry

Coffee production supports an estimated 20–25 million families worldwide, making it a critical economic pillar across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. However, despite its global importance, the sector continues to face persistent labour challenges, particularly affecting seasonal and migrant workers.

"Decent work deficits remain a serious concern in coffee supply chains," said Dan Rees, Director of the ILO's Priority Action Programme on Decent Work in Supply Chains. "This initiative aims to tackle the root causes of labour risks and improve conditions for some of the most vulnerable workers."

Key issues identified across coffee supply chains include:

• Informal and unregulated recruitment practices

• Limited access to labour rights protections

• Exposure to unsafe working conditions

• Risks of forced labour and child labour in certain contexts

A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Reform

The project leverages the ILO's global standard-setting role and convening power to bring together:

• Governments

• Employers' organisations

• Workers' representatives

Through structured social dialogue, stakeholders will identify country-specific labour risks and develop targeted interventions aimed at improving recruitment systems and working conditions.

This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that reforms are both practical and locally grounded, while aligning with international labour standards.

Country-Level Action with Global Impact

The initiative will implement targeted interventions in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, focusing on:

• Promoting fair and transparent recruitment processes

• Strengthening worker protections and rights awareness

• Enhancing compliance with international labour standards

Insights from these country-level efforts will be used to inform global knowledge-sharing, helping to scale best practices across the broader coffee industry.

Backed by Nestlé's Nescafé Plan and Global ILO Programmes

The project is supported by Nestlé's Nescafé Plan, the company's flagship sustainability programme aimed at improving the resilience and sustainability of coffee supply chains.

It also contributes to key ILO initiatives, including:

• Fair Recruitment Initiative, which promotes ethical recruitment practices worldwide

• Safety + Health for All Programme, particularly its Vision Zero Fund, focused on ensuring safe and healthy working environments in supply chains

Antje Shaw, Head of Sustainability for Coffee at Nestlé, said the partnership reflects a growing commitment from the private sector to address human rights challenges.

"By working with the ILO, we can accelerate progress toward more inclusive and resilient coffee value chains where workers are treated with dignity," she said.

Building on Longstanding Collaboration

Nestlé has a history of engagement with the ILO on labour issues, including its role as a founding member of the Child Labour Platform (CLP)—a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at eliminating child labour in supply chains.

The new project builds on this foundation, signalling a shift toward more integrated, systemic interventions that address not just symptoms, but underlying structural challenges.

A Strategic Shift Toward Responsible Supply Chains

The initiative comes amid increasing global scrutiny of corporate supply chains, with regulators, investors, and consumers demanding greater transparency and accountability on labour practices.

Experts note that agriculture—particularly labour-intensive sectors like coffee—remains one of the most challenging areas for ensuring compliance with international labour standards.

By combining corporate resources with the ILO's regulatory expertise, the project aims to create a replicable model for responsible sourcing in global value chains.

Looking Ahead

The success of the initiative will depend on:

• Effective coordination among stakeholders

• Measurable improvements in worker conditions

• Scalability of solutions beyond the initial three countries

If successful, the programme could serve as a blueprint for addressing labour risks across other agricultural commodities.

The Nestlé–ILO partnership represents a significant step toward transforming labour conditions in global coffee supply chains. By focusing on fair recruitment, worker protection, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the initiative seeks to ensure that the millions who depend on coffee production can work in conditions that are safe, fair, and dignified.