PARTNERSHIPS

We can only deliver Sustainable Future 2030 with the support of our global partners. The challenges facing our industry affect us all. That is why Finlays is committed to working closely and collaboratively with our partners and suppliers to succeed together in creating a more sustainable future.

This includes utilizing our memberships of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), Sedex, and World Coffee Research, as well as being active on key industry bodies. For example, Finlays sits on the Board of the UK Tea & Infusions Association, the Tea Association of the US, and the British Coffee Association, and we are members of the US National Coffee Association. We also engage and collaborate with certification bodies such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade.

As part of Finlays’ ongoing involvement with World Coffee Research (WCR), Tom Blackwall, our Global Head of Coffee, joined a trip to Costa Rica in November 2024 to visit some of the most important sites for coffee breeding and research. His goal was to learn more about the latest advances in breeding techniques and the work that is essential for ensuring the future resilience and quality of coffee. Here he shares key learnings and impressions from the trip.

UNDERSTANDING COFFEE GENETICS
Our journey began at CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza), a renowned agricultural research center that plays a vital role in coffee breeding. Here, researchers are using advanced methods to identify genetic variations in coffee trees. By mapping these variations, they can breed plants with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, improved cup quality, and climate adaptability.

F1 HYBRID TRIALS IN ACTION
We went on to visit Aquiares Coffee Estate, one of Costa Rica’s largest and most innovative coffee farms. Aquiares is a key trial site for F1 hybrids -
first generation crosses between genetically distinct coffee plants that offer higher yields and improved cup profiles. The farm’s dedication to testing and scaling these varieties in real-world conditions highlights the potential of F1 hybrids to reshape the coffee industry.

THE FUTURE OF COFFEE BREEDING
My visit to Costa Rica reaffirmed the importance of scientific collaboration in safeguarding coffee’s future. The work being done by WCR, CATIE, and pioneering estates like Aquiares is crucial for ensuring a more sustainable and resilient coffee supply chain.

At Finlays, we are committed to supporting these efforts through our WCR membership, ensuring that coffee farmers have access to the best possible plants to thrive in a changing world.

For more information on World Coffee Research visit worldcoffeeresearch.org

EXPLORING COFFEE’S FUTURE: A JOURNEY TO COSTA RICA WITH WORLD COFFEE RESEARCH

Tom Blackwall, Global Head of Coffee

SWIRE THRIVE

Finlays is a wholly owned subsidiary of John Swire & Sons Limited (Swire).

There is a Group-level commitment at Swire on key sustainability issues, delivered through the SwireTHRIVE strategy. At Finlays, this is embedded through our Sustainable Future 2030 strategy.

SwireTHRIVE focuses on five key areas that are highly material across the Swire Group:

Climate: Decarbonize our business and build climate resilience
People: Foster a company culture that is accessible, inclusive, and safe
Water: Use and manage water responsibly
Communities: Position our community initiatives as part of our core business value
Waste: Turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s resource

Swire’s Sustainable Development Committee has set up a sustainable development fund, which operating companies can apply to for financial support for sustainability initiatives.