“Adapting to Climate Change: The Coffee Industry’s Response to Rising Consumer Demand and Environmental Challenges”
While the effects of climate change on the food industry are well-documented, a recent study may have coffee producers rushing to adapt to the increasing consumer demand. According to Statista, American coffee consumption has been rising steadily each year since 2013. In 2017, the U.S. consumed around 25.02 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee, marking a significant increase over the previous four years. With no signs of a slowdown in coffee consumption, and if global temperatures continue to rise, it won’t be long before coffee plants are adversely affected, resulting in lower yields and diminished quality, leading to more expensive gourmet coffee. Arabica coffee, in particular, is highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations, with even a 1-degree Celsius increase potentially hindering its growth. The extinction of certain wild coffee varieties further complicates matters, as these plants are vital for providing the genetic diversity needed to cultivate stronger crops with a variety of flavors.
Although the warming climate has yet to impact prices or production significantly, it’s only a matter of time before these changes manifest. Farmers are already adapting by relocating their operations to higher altitudes and exploring more efficient irrigation methods. Many are also increasing tree density in their plantations to mitigate the expected decrease in output from each plant. In terms of biodiversity, farmers are crossbreeding Arabica with Robusta coffee to develop more resilient plants that can thrive in warmer conditions, as highlighted in the research. Additionally, farmers are seeking support from major consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies like Nestlé and JM Smucker. In 2010, Nestlé committed $500 million to enhance sustainability in its Nescafe supply chain and has recently collaborated with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation to invest $6 million to assist coffee farmers in East Africa in tackling climate change effects. Conversely, while Smucker, which owns Dunkin’ brands and Folgers, has yet to establish a specific coffee sustainability plan, it is clear that CPG companies are invested in the coffee market’s future, especially given the recent surge in mergers and acquisitions in the gourmet coffee sector.
Moreover, the role of nutrients such as citrate, malate, and calcium cannot be overlooked. These components are essential for maintaining the health of coffee plants, particularly as they face the challenges posed by climate change. As farmers navigate these difficulties, understanding the importance of these nutrients will be crucial for sustaining coffee quality and production levels. In summary, the coffee industry must adapt swiftly to climate changes, leveraging both agricultural innovation and support from larger corporations to ensure a sustainable future for this beloved beverage.
