The company says it has stopped purchases from the region and is investigating, according to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
The documentary by Britain’s Channel 4 News shows children working on six farms in Guatemala, the largest coffee producer in Central America. The farms allegedly supply to Nestlé-owned coffee giant Nespresso.
Nespresso, headquartered in Switzerland, says it sources all its coffee beans ethically and that it is investigating the allegations.
“We have immediately stopped purchases of coffee from all farms in the region and we will not resume purchases until we are able to investigate and be assured that child labour is not being used,” said Nespresso chief executive Guillaume Le Cunff.
Oscar-winning actor George Clooney, who is brand ambassador for Nespresso, has said that he is “surprised and saddened” by the revelations.
“Clearly this board and this company still have work to do. And that work will be done,” Clooney said in a statement.
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Nestlé identifies over 18,000 child labourers in cocoa supply chain
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The Swiss multinational Nestlé has identified 18,283 children performing “unacceptable” tasks at cocoa farms that supply beans to the company.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Switzerland edges closer to stricter screening of foreign investments
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Foreign investors are set to face greater scrutiny in Switzerland as one parliamentary chamber passes the so-called Lex China bill.
Increase in animal testing in Switzerland last year
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Almost 600,000 animals were used in animal experiments in Switzerland in 2023 - an increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year.
Beleaguered Swiss watch industry calls for political support
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The Swiss watch industry is going through difficult times as global demand declines and the strong franc piles on the pressure.
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Hollywood star Pamela Anderson will be honoured at the Zurich Film Festival for her career and role in the film The Last Showgirl.
Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in October
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Together with Ukraine, Switzerland is organising the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne on October 17 and 18.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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Nestlé criticised over migrant palm oil workers in Malaysia
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A Swiss NGO has criticised food giant Nestlé for buying palm oil from Malaysian suppliers who it claims exploit plantation workers.
Sustainable Swiss businesses, politics and the ‘Greta Effect’
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How serious are businesses and institutions about environmental and social issues? Sustainability expert Gretel Gambarelli gives her insights.
How easy is it to hold Swiss companies to account abroad?
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Swiss citizens may soon vote on whether to make companies liable for their actions abroad. Three stories show the challenges of getting justice.
Rolex and Chopard slammed for opacity in gold and diamond sourcing
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Human Rights Watch has criticised Swiss firms Rolex and Chopard for lack of sufficient publicly available information on their gold and diamond supply chains and human rights due diligence. In a 99-page reportExternal link released on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch rated Chopard “weak” and chastised Rolex for complete non-disclosure among 13 major firms in the…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.