Consumer choices often intersect with broader socio-political concerns, especially in today’s interconnected world. Several well-known coffee brands have faced scrutiny due to their affiliations or ties with entities involved in operations within Occupied Palestine.
These connections have prompted calls for conscientious consumer action and refraining from supporting brands connected to such activities. Here’s an overview of these brands and their affiliations, offering consumers a deeper insight into their relationships with the region.
1. Coffee Mate
Owned by Nestle, Coffee Mate, has ties to Osem, an Israeli food manufacturer operating in Occupied Palestine. To align with certain stances, consider avoiding Coffee Mate products. Furthermore, there’s a call to avoid all Nestle products until they divest operations in Occupied Palestine, especially steering clear of Osem brands like Sabra, among others.
2. Costa Coffee
Operated under the Coca-Cola Company, Costa Coffee is linked to an Atarot factory situated in the illegal Israeli settlement in Occupied Palestine. To support specific causes or beliefs, it’s suggested to refrain from buying Costa Coffee, selling Costa Express in businesses, or working for Costa Coffee or the Coca-Cola Company.
See Also: Boycott Cosmetics Companies that Fund Israeli Apartheid
3. Lavazza
A coffee products brand, Lavazza stirred controversy by pressuring football team Arsenal to silence a player’s support for Palestine. In response, individuals may choose not to buy or sell Lavazza products or buy Arsenal football shirts while Lavazza is a sponsor.
4. Nescafe
Also owned by Nestle, Nescafe is affiliated with Osem, an Israeli food manufacturer operating in Occupied Palestine. For those who wish to make a statement, consider avoiding Nescafe products and abstaining from all Nestle products until their disengagement from operations in Occupied Palestine. This involves avoiding any Osem brands such as Sabra and others as detailed in available sources.
5. Nespresso
Under Nestle’s ownership, Nespresso is associated with Osem, an Israeli food manufacturer operating in Occupied Palestine. To make a stance, one might choose to avoid buying Nespresso products and shun all Nestle products until they disengage from operations in Occupied Palestine. Especially avoid any Osem brands like Sabra and others found through available resources.
6. Starbucks
A prominent international coffee chain, Starbucks is linked to Howard Schultz, a significant private shareholder with strong Zionist inclinations. Schultz’s investments in Israel’s economy, like the recent investment in a cybersecurity startup, may lead some to avoid buying or selling Starbucks products, Starbucks On the Go, or working for Starbucks to express their views or beliefs.
See Also: Drinks Companies Supporting Israeli Occupation of Palestine
The relationship between popular coffee brands and their affiliations with entities operating in Occupied Palestine has brought consumer choices into the limelight. Calls for boycotts or abstaining from these products have emerged as a means to express solidarity or make stances against such operations.
As consumer awareness grows, individuals have the opportunity to align their purchases with their beliefs, contributing to ongoing dialogues and movements striving for change.
