Nestlé has developed a new high-yielding Arabica coffee variety called Star 4 in an effort to strengthen its coffee supply chain amid the threat of climate change.

With global coffee demand continuing to rise, recent climate change modelling suggests that land suitable for growing Arabica coffee could be reduced by over 50% by 2050.

To mitigate the impact on coffee supplies, Nestlé has harnessed its agricultural sciences capabilities to breed the new variety.

Selected in Brazil for its resilience, Star 4 also possesses the characteristic taste of Brazilian coffee.

Jeroen Dijkman, head of Nestlé’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences, said: "We are proud to make another important step towards resilient coffee supply chains, ensuring that consumers can continue to enjoy great coffee in the future. The new variety is characterised by its larger bean size and coffee leaf rust resistance."

Field trials have shown that Star 4's yields are substantially higher than the two most commonly used Brazilian local varieties, using similar inputs, which helps reduce its carbon footprint.

Marcelo Burity, Nestlé's head of green coffee development, added that optimising cultivation practices remains vital, as they are the primary factor contributing to the environmental impact of a cup of coffee.

The development of Star 4 aligns with Nestlé's Agriculture Framework, which promotes sustainable farming practices and responsible sourcing.

The first plants were tested in the traditional coffee regions of São Paulo and Minas Gerais in Brazil, and Nestlé successfully registered the new Arabica variety in the country in partnership with the Brazilian foundation Procafé.

In addition to Star 4, Nestlé has previously developed two Robusta varieties, Roubi 1 and 2, which are being rolled out in Mexico.

The company's efforts to bolster its coffee supply chain come as the industry faces growing challenges from climate change, which threatens to disrupt production in major growing regions around the world.

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