Russia Seeks to Join International Coffee Agreement 2022
London, UK – July 9, 2024 – Today, H.E. Mr. Andrei Kelin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United Kingdom, and Mr. Denis Piminov, Senior Counsellor, visited the International Coffee Organization (ICO) headquarters. The delegation was warmly received by the Executive Director of the ICO, Ms. Vanusia Nogueira, setting the stage for a productive meeting focused on the global coffee sector and the Russian Federation’s process to join the International Coffee Agreement 2022.
During the meeting with Ms. Nogueira, the discussions centered on the current trends and challenges in the global coffee industry, as well as the steps required for the Russian Federation to join the International Coffee Agreement 2022. This agreement, which commenced in 2022, aims to enhance international cooperation in the coffee sector, promote sustainable coffee production, and improve market transparency. It provides member countries with a platform to collaborate on policies that support the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of coffee production and trade.
The International Coffee Agreement 2022 currently has 44 member countries, representing a significant portion of the world’s coffee production and consumption. The inclusion of Russia would further strengthen global efforts to address issues such as climate change, market volatility, and the promotion of fair trade practices.
H.E. Mr. Kelin expressed the Russian Federation’s strong interest in contributing to the international coffee community. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by the coffee industry and ensure its resilience and growth.
According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), Russia consumed approximately 3 million bags of coffee in 2023 (ICO). This upward trend is expected to continue, with increasing demand for high-quality coffee among Russian consumers.
The Executive Director of the ICO, Ms. Nogueira, welcomed the Russian Federation’s intent to join the International Coffee Agreement 2022, emphasizing that the inclusion of Russia would further strengthen global cooperation and support the organization’s mission to foster a thriving coffee sector. She noted that the agreement plays a pivotal role in addressing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of coffee production and trade.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to continue dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for the Russian Federation’s integration into the ICO framework. Both sides acknowledged the significance of this development in bolstering global coffee sector governance and advancing shared goals.
For further information on the International Coffee Organization and its activities, please visit the ICO website.