Buying from dealers
In countries like the UK it is simply impossible for companies like Nestlé to buy from the hundreds of thousands of farmers who ultimately supply the company, and so the coffee is bought from dealers using the international market. However, Nestlé visits and gets to know as many people as possible in the supply chain. The company oversees the relationship between the dealer and exporter and often invites shippers to the UK to train alongside its own quality assurance staff. Nestlé agrees procedures on everything from pest control to methods of packing to ensure everyone is working towards the highest standards of quality.
Conclusion
Creating wonderful cups of coffee is not only Nestlé’s business, it is the business of everyone involved in the supply chain. It is in everyone’s interest - the farmers’ and Nestlé’s - that farmers receive a fair income from their coffee. This ensures that they will continue to grow coffee, and to invest in increasing their yield and quality, and this in turn guarantees the supply of quality coffee which companies like Nestlé require.