Funded by the European Union under its Global Gateway initiative, the project is being implemented by CARE International in Viet Nam in coordination with local partners. Running from December 2025 to May 2029 in Dak Lak and Son La provinces, the project is expected to benefit approximately 1.4 million coffee farmers and workers across the supply chain.

The SustainCoffee project was officially launched. (Photo: CARE International in Viet Nam)

SustainCoffee aims to bridge these gaps by helping coffee businesses translate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards into tangible improvements in their production and business operations.

The project will provide tailored assessment tools, technical training, expert consultancy and financial support to help businesses and cooperatives strengthen their management capacity, improve traceability systems and invest in sustainable business practices.

At the same time, the project will work with industry associations and local authorities to strengthen ESG advisory services, promote access to green finance and facilitate policy dialogue between the public and private sectors.

Gonzalo Serrano de la Rosa, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam, speaks at the launch ceremony. (Photo: CARE International in Viet Nam)

Speaking at the event, Gonzalo Serrano de la Rosa, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam, emphasized: “Through SustainCoffee, the European Union supports Vietnamese coffee businesses and producers in enhancing their competitiveness, strengthening transparency and participating more effectively in responsible global value chains. This reflects the Global Gateway initiative’s objective of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic partnerships.”

Nguyen Thien Van, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee, shared: “Coffee is an important economic sector in Dak Lak Province and is closely linked to the livelihoods of thousands of farming households. As the sector adapts to new international market requirements, promoting sustainable production and responsible business practices is an important priority. We highly appreciate the SustainCoffee project for creating opportunities to connect businesses, cooperatives and farmers with practical knowledge, resources and partnerships, thereby contributing to the long-term development of the province’s coffee sector.”

Delegates exchange views at the project launch ceremony. (Photo: CARE International in Viet Nam)

Le Kim Dung, Head of the CARE International in Viet Nam Representative Office, highlighted the project's expected impact amid the ongoing transformation of the coffee sector: “The transition towards a sustainable coffee sector must ensure both economic efficiency and social inclusion. Many small businesses and cooperatives have proactively worked to improve their production and business operations, but still lack the necessary tools, resources and support to demonstrate the progress they have made. SustainCoffee is designed to bridge this gap by translating ESG requirements into practical solutions while ensuring that smallholder farmers, women and workers are not left behind.”

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: CARE International in Viet Nam)

At the event, delegates discussed the key findings of a baseline data review, explored ESG certification and assessment tools, including the 4C standard, and exchanged views during a panel discussion entitled “From commitment to ESG practice in Viet Nam’s coffee sector”.

The discussions highlighted the importance of providing practical support to coffee businesses and cooperatives, strengthening coordination among public- and private-sector stakeholders, and investing in solutions tailored to local conditions. These efforts aim to ensure a balance between environmental responsibility, social inclusion and business competitiveness.

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