Viet Nam, Nestlé sign MoU to promote sustainable coffee production

On November 27, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep received Mr. Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Asia, Oceania, and Africa (AOA).

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep expressed his pleasure in welcoming the senior leadership of Nestlé. The meeting took place as Mr. Remy Ejel began his official visit to Viet Nam, reflecting the high regard for the cooperative relationship between Nestlé and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The Deputy Minister noted that after three decades of operations in Viet Nam, Nestlé has left a deep mark and is among the most successful foreign-invested corporations in the country. Currently, the company provides employment opportunities for around 20,000 direct workers and thousands of indirect workers, contributing to higher incomes and improved livelihoods for Vietnamese coffee farmers.

“The value Nestlé brings is not only in production foundations but also in sustainability, sharing the same vision of green agricultural development as Viet Nam,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Through PSAV and the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) in Viet Nam, Deputy Minister highly appreciates Nestlé Viet Nam’s achievement in reaching the Zero Waste to environment target by applying a circular economy model in waste management.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep expressed his appreciation for the vision and mission of the company, while acknowledging Nestlé’s important role in activities under the PSAV. “Nestlé has always been among the first companies to actively support the Ministry’s policies and proposals,” he said.

The Deputy Minister noted that after a long period of cooperation, both sides have every reason to expect stronger developments in the future, especially in programs related to sustainable development, reducing plastic waste, and promoting the circular economy.

He also expressed the hope that Nestlé will pay even greater attention to direct investment in farmers, given that Viet Nam ranks second in the world in coffee production and export value, offering a vast and open market.

CEO Remy Ejel affirmed that Nestlé is honored to accompany countries, including Viet Nam, on the journey to achieving Net Zero. He shared that emission reduction is a major challenge for many nations, including Switzerland. However, with the climate and regenerative agriculture programs the company is implementing, Nestlé believes it can work with Viet Nam step by step to meet its commitments.

Nestlé’s leadership recognized Viet Nam as one of the countries most effectively applying sustainable production practices, highly regarded by Nestlé globally. He also highlighted the crucial role of coffee farmers, whose production not only serves the domestic market but also enables Nestlé to export to 40 countries. Nescafé products from Viet Nam have reached markets including Africa.

Over the past 30 years, Nestlé Viet Nam has actively contributed to training, education, and technology transfer in the country. One of the upcoming global Nestlé programs involving Viet Nam focuses on training, agricultural extension, and guidance on good agricultural practices. The company also operates multiple advanced research and development centers supporting its global supply chain.

Discussing future cooperation, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized that human resource training will be a key focus of the MoU signed between the two sides. Ministry leaders hope that Nestlé will continue investing in waste management solutions and increasing the value of coffee by-products, thereby helping farmers earn additional income and strengthening the training of young farmers in sustainable coffee farming practices.

Both sides view PPP as an important tool to attract investment into the sector, develop production along the value chain.

Nestlé has always accompanied the country’s development at every stage in coffee, cocoa, and other strategic agricultural products. Established in 1995, Nestlé Vietnam has continuously expanded its investment and business operations, with current investment capital reaching nearly 904 million USD.