The expansion of the supply chain by Europe’s leading supermarket chain – Lidl – to Vietnam, through the addition of Ho Chi Minh City to the international freight route operated by Tailwind Shipping Lines, has created a significant opportunity for Vietnam’s coffee industry. Among its import portfolio, coffee is one of the key products that Lidl prioritizes sourcing from Vietnam, alongside countries such as Brazil and Colombia.
However, to become an official supplier for Lidl, Vietnamese coffee businesses must meet a series of strict sustainability requirements outlined in the group's global sourcing policy. Specifically:
Green Coffee Beans:
Lidl’s private label suppliers sourcing green coffee from Vietnam must follow the Segregated or Identity Preserved traceability models. This means the coffee must be separated and its origin preserved by specific regions.
For uncertified products, the coffee must be verified as deforestation-free. This verification must be conducted through a Monitoring & Verification (M&V) system that aligns with the standards set by the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi) — an international benchmark for supply chain responsibility.
Roasted Coffee, Coffee Pods, and Instant Coffee:
According to Lidl’s regulations:
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As of the end of the 2022 financial year, all roasted coffee, instant coffee, and coffee pods under Lidl’s private labels must be certified by Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or Organic standards.
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By the end of the 2024 financial year, this requirement will be extended to all ready-to-drink coffee beverages and coffee pods.
These standards ensure not only traceability and transparency but also require businesses to uphold commitments to environmental protection, fair labor conditions, and the prohibition of forced and child labor.
With over 12,350 stores across Europe and revenues exceeding €132 billion, Lidl is one of the world’s most powerful retail partners. Joining Lidl’s supply chain represents a major leap forward for Vietnamese coffee, elevating its brand and export value while providing access to millions of global consumers who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their product choices.
This is a golden opportunity for Vietnamese coffee enterprises to restructure their value chains, develop sustainable sourcing regions, and obtain international certifications — in order to establish a stronger presence in global retail systems like Lidl.
GEVA – Supporting Businesses on the Green Export Journey
Amid the global green transition, GEVA – the project “Green Export Incubation and Acceleration through Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)” – serves as a launchpad to support Vietnamese businesses in three key sectors: coffee, nuts, and spices, helping them grow sustainably and reach international markets.