The looming threat of climate change has scientists and researchers around the world looking for solutions. In the world of coffee, that often means fresh varieties that are more resistant to heat and diseases like leaf rust. One brand looking for such solutions is CuddleThe megacorporation that owns coffee brands including Nescafe, Blue Bottle and Starbucks at Home has announced that it has created a fresh variety of Arabica coffee, and the potential benefits are very promising.
Recently announced via press releaseThe fresh variety is known as Star 4 and was developed by a team of Nestlé agricultural scientists and agronomists. The scientists created Star 4 from Brazilian varieties using what they describe as “conventional breeding methods,” with the goal of creating something resistant to roya. They succeeded, and the fresh variety also produced larger coffee beans while maintaining the distinctive Brazilian coffee profile.
Star 4 was then tested in direct comparison with varieties already in existence in São Paulo and Minas Gerais. It was found that Star 4 produced yields “significantly higher than the two most commonly used Brazilian landraces.”
This increased productivity, according to researchers, has the side effect of promoting sustainability. Combined with improved agricultural practices, these more productive coffees, they say, reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their cultivation.
Given that the fresh variety is Nestlé’s intellectual property, it’s unlikely you’ll find it in a bag from your favorite specialty roaster anytime soon. Still, Star 4 has the makings of a gigantic step in the right direction, especially as the global coffee supply struggles to meet demand. More coffee, fewer greenhouse gases. That’s a double whammy.
