Nespresso and South Sudanese coffee growers make progress in rebuilding the coffee industry

Lobsang, Switzerland / PRNewswire-Asianet /-- despite continuing conflicts, coffee growers in South Sudan have made progress in reviving the country's coffee industry. After their hard work and hard work, Nespresso limited edition Grand Cru SULUJA ti South Sudan* will be available in five new countries later this month, compared with previously only the French market.

When Nespresso first launched SULUJA ti South Sudan in France last year, it became the first coffee exported by the new state of South Sudan and the country's first major non-oil export. Since then, more and more South Sudanese farmers have engaged in coffee production through Nespresso's AAA Sustainable quality Program, which has enabled them to increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.

Despite the continuing conflict, coffee growers in South Sudan have made progress in reviving the country's coffee industry. After their hard work and hard work, Nespresso limited edition Grand Cru SULUJA ti South Sudan* will be launched in five new countries later this month, compared with previously only the French market.

In 2011, Nespresso began working with the non-profit organization TechnoServe to revive the forgotten coffee industry, which was nearly destroyed by years of conflict in the region. Since entering South Sudan five years ago, Nespresso and TechnoServe have worked with more than 700 farmers to teach them basic coffee growing skills and build production infrastructure. They have helped establish the first five coffee cooperatives in South Sudan and promoted the construction and operation of six wet coffee grinders in Yei. The work done so far has not only increased the income of farmers, but also promoted the economic development of the region. The recent spread of conflict to the Yei region has affected the implementation of the plan, making it difficult for TechnoServe to continue the training of local farmers. To overcome this, TechnoServe will begin to provide weekly agronomic training to farmers who continue to work through radio broadcasts.

Jean-Marc Duvoisin, CEO of Nespresso, said: "We believe that coffee is expected to have a positive impact on South Sudanese farmers and promote economic diversification in the country. We remain firmly committed to helping coffee growers revive the industry. Our goal is to create permanent wealth and promote peace and prosperity. "

The new coffee comes after the US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced earlier this year that it would work with Nespresso and TechnoServe to invest $3.18 million in the project over the next three years to help South Sudan diversify its export markets, reduce dependence on oil (which currently accounts for 99 per cent of total exports) and raise household incomes for smaller coffee growers.

Work hand in hand

William Warshauer, President and CEO of TechoServe, said: "the life of farmers in South Sudan has been very difficult for a long time, and until recently, most people did not think that it would be possible to export quality coffee. However, our cooperation with farmers has made good progress, and we help them acquire the skills and knowledge to enable them to improve the quality and yield of crops in a sustainable way. The working environment in South Sudan is extremely challenging and the Government and non-governmental organizations need to work together. Business investment is critical to long-term economic development, and Nespresso has demonstrated strong leadership by entering the South Sudan market and continuing to invest in the country. "

High quality coffee

Made from robusta coffee beans, SULUJA ti South Sudan is smooth and fragrant, giving off not only the aroma of dry grain, but also a hint of wood. SULUJA ti South Sudan is "wet coffee", which takes longer to make and requires more skilled technology, but also tastes finer, milder, smoother and fragrant. SULUJA ti South Sudan coffee is very rare and will be available in limited quantities in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

* SULUJA ti SOUTH SUDAN means "the beginning of South Sudan" in the indigenous language Kakwa, and Kakwa is the most commonly used local language in most coffee producing areas of the region.

Introduction to Nestle Nespresso SA

Nestle Nespresso SA is the pioneer and leader of high-quality easy-to-pack coffee. Headquartered in Lobsang, Switzerland, the company operates in 64 countries and employs more than 12000 people. In 2015, the company's global retail network has covered more than 450 exclusive stores. For more information, please visit Nespresso's company website: http://www.nestle-nespresso.com.

Brief introduction of Nespresso AAA Sustainable quality ™Program

The Nespresso AAA Sustainable quality ™Program, launched in 2003 by Nespresso in partnership with the non-governmental organization Rainforest Alliance, supports coffee growers by investing in community infrastructure, providing cash premiums for quality coffee and best agricultural practices, and providing training, financing and technical assistance to farmers to continuously improve quality, sustainability and productivity (the three pillars represented by the project name "AAA"). This approach can improve social, environmental and economic conditions for coffee growers and other growers. At present, more than 70000 farmers from 11 countries are participating in the program.