…Tchibo supports the purpose of the European Deforestation Regulation…protecting the world’s forest and holding businesses accountable. However, the detailed requirements of the EUDR are a challenge, not only for European companies and local exporters, but especially for the smallholder farmers that produce up to 80% of the world’s coffee. Many of them are at risk to be excluded from the European market, not because they deforested their land, but because they are unable to provide the necessary data.

This and other challenges and concerns with regards to the EUDR requirements were also highlighted by the European Coffee Association and the Germany Coffee Association. At the same time, these organizations consistently expressed their commitment to the objectives of the EUDR and other recently adopted EU legislation…

Tchibo is working continuously to adapt its due diligence process in light of the EUDR and improve the traceability of its supply chains. However, collecting data alone does not protect a single tree. For this reason, we are working intensively with our partners on the ground to expand our coffee program, for example in Brazil, where reforestation has long been a part of our activities to increase local biodiversity and protect valuable water resources…