What Was the UN-Priced Coffee at COP21 Like?

When thousands of diplomats, journalists, and activists descended on Paris for COP21, they didn’t just talk climate policy—they also ate. But what did they eat, and how was it sourced, priced, and served under the scrutiny of a global event? We asked the people behind the scenes to reveal how France fed the world’s climate elite, including the little-known story of the UN-regulated coffee stands.

In short: the conference served 10,000 traditionally hand-baked breads daily, ran seven mobile coffee stations with espresso drinks priced by the United Nations, and handed out 5,000 apples and 5 tonnes of chocolate each day—all part of a deliberate effort to balance sustainability, accessibility, and international equity.

The Bread: 10,000 Handmade Each Day, Old-School Method

Throughout the conference grounds, one of the most visible food outlets was a branch of PAUL, a French bakery chain founded in 1889. The team behind the scenes revealed that every bread served—whether a classic baguette or a buttery croissant—was made using traditional methods, including wooden tools resembling boat paddles. Each loaf takes around seven hours to produce. The bakery supplied 10,000 handcrafted breads daily to various stands and restaurants inside the venue. Leftover bread was collected each night and sent to be turned into animal feed, ensuring no edible waste.

The Coffee: Seven Mobile Stations, Prices Set by the UN

Nearby, attendees could grab espresso-based drinks from one of seven mobile coffee carts operated by Alto Coffee. These weren’t your usual setups: three were mounted on trucks (one with a motor, one electric, one none), and four were pushcarts. The baristas, Anthony Vecci and Oriane Bouvier, were not regular Alto employees but were hired through a special recruitment process for COP21. They worked from roughly 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving espresso, cappuccino, latte, and mocha.

The coffee carts used filtered water from the conference’s wastewater treatment system, and all servingware—from 1€ biodegradable cups to compostable stirrers and takeaway boxes—was made from organic materials. Customers could return cups to get their deposit back, supporting a zero-waste goal.

Most notably, the menu prices were set by the United Nations to balance affordability across economic divides. A small espresso cost just 1.4€, far less than typical Parisian street prices, making it accessible for delegates from developing nations while still meeting operational costs. On busy days like the opening, when 200 world leaders were present, one cart alone sold 500 cups. Other days saw closer to 60 by noon.

The Extras: Apples, Chocolate, and On-Site Restaurant Meals

Each morning, staff handed out 5,000 fresh apples at the venue entrances, supplied by Carrefour, Europe’s largest retailer. Later, attendees could pick up chocolates—5 tonnes in total—donated by the environmental group “Plant For The Planting.” The chocolate giveaway aimed to encourage young people to plant trees, with the message that 150 trees per person could lead to 100 trillion trees globally by 2020, aiding carbon reduction.

For sit-down meals, the conference also featured several on-site restaurants offering dishes like beef bowls, salmon, and salads—but these were priced higher and catered to those seeking more substantial fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many breads were made daily at COP21?

The bakery team supplied 10,000 handcrafted breads to the conference venues every day, using traditional French methods and tools, with each loaf taking around seven hours to bake.

Who ran the coffee stands at COP21?

The coffee was prepared by two Parisian baristas, Anthony Vecci and Oriane Bouvier, who were hired specifically for the event through a recruitment process. They worked at seven mobile coffee carts operated by Alto Coffee.

How were coffee prices determined at COP21?

The United Nations set the coffee prices to balance affordability for attendees from both developed and developing countries. For example, a small espresso was priced at 1.4€, much lower than standard Paris street prices.

Were the coffee cups recyclable?

Yes, all coffee cups and serving materials were made from organic, recyclable materials. The 1€ cups could be returned for a deposit refund, supporting a zero-waste initiative at the conference.

What extra food items were given out each day?

Every day, 5,000 apples were distributed at the entrance, and over the two-week conference, 5 tonnes of chocolate were handed out by a sustainability-focused sponsor to promote tree planting.

Did the conference have full restaurants?

Yes, there were several on-site restaurants offering cooked meals such as beef bowls, salmon, and salads, though these were pricier than the grab-and-go food options.

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