Background and Relevance of the Companies
Nestlé, Starbucks, and Neumann Kaffee Gruppe are among the world’s largest coffee companies. Nestlé, a Swiss multinational food and beverage company, owns over 2,000 brands and is one of the largest food companies globally. Starbucks, an American coffee company, is a leading specialty coffee retailer with over 30,000 stores in more than 80 countries. Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, a German company, is one of the largest coffee roasters in Europe.
Accusations by NGOs
Coffee Watch, along with International Rights Advocates and Deutsche Umwelthilfe, accused Nestlé, Starbucks, and Neumann Kaffee Gruppe of human rights violations in coffee plantations. These allegations include child labor, forced labor, and severe safety regulation breaches in plantations located in Brazil, Mexico, China, and Uganda.
Details of the Accusations
- Child Labor: NGOs reported that children are working in the coffee plantations supplying these companies.
- Forced Labor: Workers’ rights are being violated, and they face harassment.
- Safety Regulation Breaches: There are massive violations of workplace safety norms.
- Exploitative Wages: Workers are being exploited financially.
Company Responses
Nestlé responded by stating they take the accusations seriously but are not directly linked to the questioned agricultural exploitations. They mentioned terminating relationships with a supplier due to non-compliance with their standards.
Starbucks, when approached by AFP, denied the accusations and emphasized their commitment to sourcing coffee responsibly while promoting human rights respect.
German Legislation and Ongoing Investigation
The accusations come under the new German law on corporate due diligence, which took effect in 2023. This legislation aims to strengthen human rights protection, including the prohibition of child labor and forced labor. The organizations have filed a complaint with the Federal German Office for Agriculture and Forestry (BAFA) to investigate these allegations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the NGOs making these accusations? Coffee Watch, International Rights Advocates, and Deutsche Umwelthilfe.
- Which companies are accused? Nestlé, Starbucks, and Neumann Kaffee Gruppe.
- What are the main allegations? Child labor, forced labor, safety regulation breaches, and exploitative wages.
- What are the companies’ responses? Nestlé stated they take the accusations seriously and have terminated relationships with non-compliant suppliers. Starbucks denied the accusations, emphasizing their commitment to responsible sourcing.
- What is the relevance of the German law? The new legislation requires companies to respect human rights in their supply chains, and these accusations fall under this legal framework.
