In 2003, we launched the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program, in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance. The program helps us protect the special places where our coffee is grown, build loyal relationships with farmers... At the end of 2010, we were already working side by side with around 40,000 coffee farmers in 7 countries and sourcing more than 60% of our coffee from the AAA program.
Farmers belonging to the program are paid a price premium for both quality and sustainability. This premium is around 30% to 40% above the standard market price for coffee and 10% to 15% above coffees of similar quality. But beyond this, farmers also receive the training, support, technical assistance and direct investment needed to grow the highest quality coffee, more sustainably.