BRAZIL
Nestlé SA wants to double its production of Dolce Gusto coffee pods at a Brazilian facility. To reach its goal, however, the multinational company is investing in some research and development, according to a Bloomberg Markets report.
The Dolce Gusto line features 21 types of drinks but the Nestlé Brazil operation only produces 13 of them, Bloomberg reported in early March. In order to make all 21 pod styles in Brazil, Nestlé needs to include a unique Ethiopian coffee flavor in some of the formulas. But there’s a problem: Brazilian law prohibits imported beans from Ethiopia or anywhere else.
Importing roasted Ethiopian beans is cost prohibitive so Nestlé found a different solution: Grow the beans in Brazil.
The company has received permission from the Brazilian government to test three varieties of beans originally developed in a French research center to replicate the taste of Ethiopian arabica. The varieties have been planted in Brazil and the first harvest is expected this year, a Nestle official told Bloomberg.
If harvests over the next six years produce the quality beans required, Nestlé can petition the government so Brazilian farmers can grow them commercially.
Eventually, the new flavors can be blended into Dolce Gusto coffee pods for shipment to Mexico and the European Union.