The coffee plant doesn’t like it too warm, but not too cold either. At some times of the year it needs drought stress, which is when it can develop a particularly large number of flowers; in others she loves it wet. This is why coffee can only be grown within a narrow geographical band in the tropics. If temperatures rise or it rains too often or too rarely, harvests collapse. This has been happening more and more frequently in recent years. Scientists warn that half of the coffee cultivation area will be threatened by climate change in the next 25 years.
One thing is pretty certain: coffee prices will rise. Companies like Tchibo, JDE (Jacobs) and Dunkin’ Donuts are already reacting to ensure that they continue to receive good, affordable beans in the future. They hire experts to show farmers how they can increase yields on their mostly small plantations. For example, with natural fertilizer or by planting suitable trees that provide more shade for the coffee plants. Tchibo wants to work closely with 75,000 small farmers. Such collaborations are also a reaction to the supply chain law, which makes companies liable for grievances such as child labor among suppliers.
There are two other ways to secure supplies. First: create climate-resilient plants using genetic engineering. So far the coffee industry has decided against it. Second: coffee beans from the bioreactor. However, there are up to 800 aromas in one coffee bean; It has not yet been possible to reproduce them synthetically.
Tchibo wants to secure the supply of beans with a new program. Can this work – or will we all soon be drinking espresso from the bioreactor? Read the interview with Pablo von Waldenfels, sustainability manager at the coffee giant, about the future of the hot drink here.
