Tchibo sues Aldi: Fight for fair coffee and workers' rights!

Tchibo sues Aldi: Fight for fair coffee and workers' rights!

Coffee is a daily pleasure for many, but our favorite varieties often hide dark truths. A conflict between Tchibo and Aldi Süd has now reignited the discussion about fair prices and transparency in coffee production. Tchibo accuses Aldi of offering its coffee at bargain prices, which brought the brand to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court. This could potentially have far-reaching consequences for pricing across the industry, as not only consumers but also many workers in coffee cultivation are directly affected.

The reality of coffee farming is alarming. Brazil, as the world's largest coffee exporter, recorded around 2,600 documented cases of poor working conditions on coffee plantations in 2022. Workers often live in slave-like conditions, have to finance their own protective clothing and fall into a debt trap due to the high costs of accommodation and food, as shown on tagesschau.de is reported.

Working conditions in focus

A worker named Iran describes his own fate and speaks of scars and injuries on his hands. The number of unreported cases of exploitation is probably even higher. These grievances are not new phenomena, the problem has existed for years and was further exacerbated under Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, when resources to combat such conditions were massively cut. It is to be hoped that President Lula da Silva's increased budget allocation will bring at least a little progress in this regard.

But even with the political will to change the situation, enforcement remains difficult. The Adere MG union in Minas Gerais fights tirelessly against inhumane working conditions. Jorge Ferreira, an active trade unionist, reports on how she cares for coffee pickers and improves their conditions. Minas Gerais, as the most important growing region for Arabica coffee, tops the so-called “dirty list” of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. Despite all efforts, there are enormous challenges, particularly workers' fear of speaking out about their grievances for fear of reprisals.

Fairtrade and market balance

More and more consumers are looking for transparency and fair conditions when buying coffee, regardless of the price. Some Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified varieties offered by Tchibo, for example, have already helped raise awareness. The prices for fairly grown coffee beans, such as a kilogram from Honduras, are up to 40 euros. Tchibo's “Feine Milde”, on the other hand, costs around 18 euros. The gap between fair prices and junk prices could lead to a fundamental discussion about the value of growing coffee.

While many companies, including big names like Nestlé and Starbucks, purchase coffee from buyers who operate in a non-transparent manner, the need for ethically responsible consumption is growing among consumers. A rethink could not only change the market, but also the lives of thousands of workers who have to toil in inhumane conditions, as shown by the stories of Gizela and José, who were finally freed from their predicament and now lead a better life.

Coffee is not just a luxury food; it is a product that influences the fate of many people in the global south. It remains to be hoped that future disputes over prices and quality will also promote the debate about the living conditions of workers in the coffee industry and thus initiate sustainable change.