Cologne coffee factory is growing: Auxiliary Bishop blesses new construction site!

Cologne coffee factory is growing: Auxiliary Bishop blesses new construction site!

A lot is happening in Georg Hempsch's Cologne coffee factory! The coffee lover has significantly expanded his business in Cologne-Lövenich in order to process even more coffee specialties in the future. “This is not just about good beans, but also about our responsibility towards our employees,” says Hempsch, who attaches great importance to social and fair corporate management. During the blessing of the construction site, initiated by Hempsch and carried out by Pastor Hünten, it became clear: people are working here with passion. The new premises will make it possible to put the manufacturer's products even more in the spotlight.

The coffee factory and the associated café on Dürener Straße are not only known for their delicious coffees, but also for their Christian symbols, such as the cross and the blessing of the star singers. Hempsch's clear goal is to offer its employees a financial living and joy at work. This social responsibility is also acknowledged by Auxiliary Bishop Steinhäuser, who describes the visit as “interesting” and points out the importance of coffee for many professions. “You can see how much energy and passion there is in this project,” notes Steinhäuser.

Social sustainability: More than just a trend

Social sustainability plays a crucial role in coffee production. According to the website Era of We, recent studies show that around 25 million small farmers supply 80% of the world's coffee supply. However, many of them suffer from harsh working conditions, low wages and a lack of access to healthcare and education. Georg Hempsch emphasizes that his manufacturer wants to be part of the solution. By paying attention to fair wages and labor rights, he makes a valuable contribution to improving the living conditions of his employees.

However, climate change and other challenges are making the situation difficult for many coffee farmers. Forecasts suggest that by 2050 the area suitable for growing coffee could be reduced by half, particularly affecting the largest coffee producers such as Brazil and Vietnam. Climate change could seriously endanger the coffee plant, which is very sensitive to temperature and humidity. “We need to focus on new, more resilient varieties and promote mixed crops,” say experts, as they encourage small farmers to explore new avenues.

The Future of Coffee: Innovative Approaches

The discussion about the future of coffee will also be discussed at the International Coffee Convention (ICC) from September 30th to October 3rd in Mannheim. The focus is on climate change, changing consumer behavior and the digitalization of coffee cultivation. Hempsch and other coffee farmers are called upon to meet these challenges with innovative solutions in order to ensure the quality and availability of coffee in the future.

Ultimately, consumer awareness and interest in socially sustainable practices in the coffee industry is growing. Supporting Fairtrade and similar certifications is becoming increasingly important in order to enable small farmers to make a living and break the vicious circle of poverty and poor working conditions. “We are proud to be part of this movement,” concludes Hempsch, giving hope for a positive and sustainable future for the coffee manufacturer and its employees.

Further information about coffee manufacturing and the challenges facing the industry can be found on the websites of Archdiocese of Cologne, Era of We and Mercury.