Italy launches global coffee strategy to boost sustainability and investment
ROME, October 24, 2026 — Italy has launched its International Coffee Strategy, bringing together government institutions, international organisations, and private-sector representatives in an aim to strengthen the global coffee supply chain.
Speaking at the launch in Rome recently, Giuseppe Lavazza, chairman of the Italian Coffee Committee of Unione Italiana Food and chairman of the Lavazza Group, called for greater international cooperation to address challenges facing coffee-producing countries, arguing that individual initiatives must be scaled up into a coordinated global effort.
“We must move from individual projects to a global approach capable of mobilising expertise, resources and investment,” Lavazza says.
“The challenges facing the coffee sector span the entire supply chain and cannot be tackled by a single company, institution or country.”
Hosted by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the launch of Italy’s International Coffee Strategy: Development, Value and Partnerships focused on opportunities to support producing countries through development cooperation, economic diplomacy, research and private-sector partnerships.
The strategy is built around two complementary initiatives: the ACT Coffee programme, which supports the sustainable transformation for Africa’s coffee supply chain, and the Global Coffee Initiative, developed with the World Bank Group and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti [CDP] to facilitate project preparation and mobilise investment.
The ACT Coffee programme is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization [UNIDO], in collaboration with the International Coffee Organization [ICO] and in partnership with the Italian Coffee Committee. Lavazza says the programme demonstrates how public-private cooperation can deliver practical support to producing countries by improving productivity, quality, and resilience to climate change.
He also highlighted the Global Coffee Initiative and the Espresso Fund, promoted by Italy in collaboration with the World Bank, as opportunities to develop a more competitive and sustainable coffee sector.
“Today’s event at the Farnesina marks an important milestone for the future of the global coffee supply chain and confirms the role that Italy can play in promoting a development model based on collaboration between institutions, international organisations and businesses,” he says.
Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli says the strategy aims to create value in countries of origin while supporting the expertise of Italian businesses.
“Supporting coffee-producing countries and promoting the expertise of Italian businesses means building a more sustainable, equitable and resilient coffee supply chain,” Cirelli says.
“We are combining development cooperation, economic diplomacy, research and partnerships with the private sector to create value in the countries of origin and lasting opportunities for all.”
The launch brought together representatives from producing countries and international institutions, including Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja; Kenya’s Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe; Colmbia’s Agriculture Minister Indalecio Dangond; ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira; FAO Deputy Director-General Maruizio Martina; UNIDO Deputy Director-General Marina Ponti; and Illycaffè chairman Andrea Illy.
Lavazza says the Italian Coffee Committee would encourage its member companies to participate actively in the strategy, emphasising the importance of a pre-competitive framework in which businesses can collaborate on shared challenges.
“Italy possesses a unique heritage of expertise, industrial culture and capacity for innovation in the world of coffee. Now is the time to harness this heritage systematically,” he says.
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