Identified strategic areas of cooperation: sustainable production, increasing coffee value and training for farmers.
Viet Nam and Nestlé have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable coffee production, emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships (PPP) in attracting investment and fostering growth across the value chain. Since its establishment in 1995, Nestlé Vietnam has been a key partner in the nation’s agricultural development, particularly in coffee and cocoa. With an investment capital of nearly 904 million USD, the company has consistently expanded its operations, contributing to the growth and sustainability of strategic agricultural sectors.
On November 27, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep held a meeting with Mr. Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Asia, Oceania, and Africa (AOA).
The Deputy Minister noted that with three decades of operations in Viet Nam, Nestlé has created 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 acknowledged Nestlé Viet Nam’s achievement in reaching the Zero Waste to environment target by applying a circular economy model in waste management under the PSAV. The Deputy Minister highlighted the potential for stronger collaboration in sustainable development, plastic waste reduction, and 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 stated that Nestlé is addressing emission reduction challenges through climate and regenerative agriculture programs, aiming to support Viet Nam in meeting its commitments. Nestlé’s leadership commended Viet Nam for its effective sustainable production practices and highlighted the vital role of coffee farmers, whose production supports both the domestic market and exports to 40 countries, including Africa through Nescafé products.
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.
