What Lies Behind the Nespresso Unique Sourcing Approach Through the AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program?

The AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program is the Nespresso unique green coffee sourcing approach that combines a focus on quality, sustainability and productivity. It aims to secure the supply of the highest quality coffees required for Nespresso Grand Cru coffees and improve the livelihoods of the farmers that grow them, whilst protecting the environment. The program was launched in 2003 in partnership with the NGO the Rainforest Alliance. At the end of 2014, Nespresso held direct relationships with over 63,000 coffee farmers participating in the AAA Program in 11 coffee-growing countries.

The AAA Program pays price premiums for superior coffee and best agricultural practices, provides farmers with trainings and technical assistance to continuously improve their performance in each of the three A’s of the program: quality, sustainability and productivity, and invests in infrastructures and specific projects.

First A: Quality

Only 1 to 2% of the world coffee crop meets the quality, taste and aroma profiles required for the Nespresso Grand Cru coffees. Around 30% of each harvest from farms that Nespresso works with meets those stringent requirements. The remainder of the crop provides farmers with a valuable supply for the wider sustainable coffee market. The AAA Program helps farmers adopt best practices in coffee cultivation to protect the supply of these highest quality coffees.

Second A: Sustainability

Through the AAA Program, coffee farmers are becoming more environmentally and socially responsible. The program sets rigorous environmental and social standards based on the standards of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). These include protection of biodiversity, water management, and farm workers’ rights and working conditions. Innovative projects are addressing not only on-farm ecosystems but also issues affecting the broader natural landscape surrounding them.

Third A: Productivity

Based on our field experience over the years, we have learned that productivity is an essential ingredient for economically viable and sustainable coffee farming. The AAA Program helps farmers to improve their productivity and implement cost reduction initiatives to increase their net income. 

Read More about Nespresso's holistic approach to sustainable coffee farming