Women of Coffee Origin Unite

Just back from Costa Rica and I have a new discovery . . . when women in coffee unite in a country of origin, amazing energy forms. I made the wise decision to attend the 1st International Women in Coffee Conference in Orosi, Costa Rica. I was surrounded by nearly 100 fabulous women in coffee, representing 11 countries.

During the conference, we heard amazing stories about what is happening in the coffee regions of Central and South America. Coffee producers shared their challenges and successes. ICO Executive Director Nestor Osorio was present praising the work of the International Women's Coffee Alliance. Judy Ganes highlighted industry trends and predictions.

Then we headed to Costa Rican coffee farms. We strapped our picking baskets around our waists and marched up the mountain to experience the tedious challenges of picking coffee beans by hand. Ten minutes into the process, I had a new appreciation for what is involved in creating a quality cup of coffee. With sore feet and aching backs, we headed to a processing mill to see the next step in coffee production.

Farmers arrived in trucks with their day's harvest to have their beans weighed, receive payment and head home to start the picking process all over again come sunrise.

I returned back to Illinois with my eyes wide open. Now, each morning when I sip my cup of coffee, the aroma takes me back to the hard working coffee farmers in the hills of Costa Rica.

Historic meeting of women in coffee

An update from Sherri Johns

Eight women from small independent roasters, marketing managers and presidents of major companies attended the first-ever meeting of Japanese women in coffee at the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan Coffee Conference and Exhibition October 15 -17 in Tokyo .

This just shows how diverse we are, no matter where we are. I attended on behalf of International Women's Coffee Alliance and congratulated the group on their gathering. I also shared some insight as a board member of IWCA and distributed the Japanese membership forms (thank you Margaret) and small cards with our website and vision statement. They were enthusiastic and ready to begin an initiative to create a local chapter.

With this small and mighty group I believe Japan has an incredible opportunity to make a large impact for all women in coffee in Japan and reach other "coffee sisters" throughout the world.

Sherri

Follow the Journey....

Location: A coffee shop in Springfield, Illinois

I like to people watch. And that's what I'm doing. Watching folks come and go, laugh with one another, shop. Across the square there are some folks sitting, checking e-mail, and enjoying the company of a friend. They're at an unremarkable little place. I try to imagine the paths they traveled to get to that particular coffee house. Maybe I should see for myself what is drawing them to that spot.

Eureka! I identify it instantly! It's the sweet coffee aroma; it permeates the air. It catches me as soon as I walk near. What a fragrance! The warm bean smell tantalizes not just my sense of smell but brings back to life a host of vivid images. Maria. Italy. 1999. Ahh. What great coffee. What a passionate summer. The barista instantly becomes a part of my daydream. She tempts me with her grinds. I approach her and she happily gives in to my need to go back to that taste, that experience.

"You're not from here, are you?" she asks. My comfy jeans and flip-flops betray the fact that I am not on my way to work. But my East Coast accent is probably what gives me away. "I'm from the outskirts of Boston. Cambridge to be exact" I reply. She is from Savannah. She moved here when she followed her boyfriend. They broke up three weeks ago. She's happier now, she claims. Our conversation continues on for a bit. We exchange stories about our hometowns, and she tells me how she aspires to become a barista and eventually a coffee shop owner.

Then she hands me my cup of delight and the conversation stops. I haven't even taken a sip yet and I am plunged into nirvana.


"How did you make this cup of heaven?"

"Oh! You like?" she says with a proud smile. "Well, it's a personal recipe. And it's a bit of a secret. But you're enjoying it too much for me to keep it here in Springfield."

"Yes! You definitely need to share the love!"

"Well, I don't want to share too much. But I guess you can take it with you. It's simple really. It is a fresh cup of brewed coffee with a dash of vanilla almond milk and a pinch of cinnamon."

"Wow. That is simple. But wonderful. Thanks."

"Now remember, it's our little secret."

As I head out the door onto my next adventure, she waves and sends me well wishes for safe travels and I reply with a wink. Once again I find myself outside of this unremarkable little coffee shop but only now I wonder which way the wind will blow me next.

A little bit of home in Seoul, South Korea

Margaret Swallow, longtime advocate in the global coffee community and former executive director for the Coffee Quality Institute, will contribute occasional posts to the “Romancing the Bean.”

The week of August 22 I was in Seoul to do some marketing training for employees of Samsung Electronics. I love training and even though it is not hard work physically at the end of the day I was tired. When I returned to the hotel on Monday I decided to put on my casual clothes and go out for a walk around the hotel.

I was staying at the Ritz Carlton and the entrance is on a major street which was in the process of being torn up as they are building a new subway or train line in that part of the city. I walked along this street for a while before turning into a side street that reminded me of the alleyways that run behind houses in the older sections of some American cities. Here the streets were narrow and clogged with people shopping for everything from clothing to the last electronic gadget (as South Korea is the home of companies such as Samsung everyone seems to have the latest digital device).

I wondered around for a while taking in the sights and sounds and eventually saw a sign from home – Dunkin’ Donuts. As someone who drinks coffee all day long (and also has a sweet tooth) this was like a vision! The shop was located on a corner and had a few tables set up on a patio outside.

I went inside and everything was clean and shiny so perhaps it was a new location. I went up to the counter to order my coffee and donut and right behind the gentleman that took my order was a Bunn-O-Matic brewing system. I let my fingers do the talking and was able to order a cup of coffee and a chocolate donut to go.

The funny part of this story is that I grew up on the East Coast of the US where Dunkin’ Donuts are common. For the last 29 years I have lived in the Midwest where Dunkin’ Donuts are far fewer and the ones that are in the metropolitan area where I live are not part of my normal driving circuit. But for that one great week in Seoul I was a just few minutes walk from a great cup of coffee, thanks to Bunn-O-Matic and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Your favorite spot for coffee?

In spite of the slowing economy, consumers are still enjoying beverages away from home.

Beverage consumption away from home has been increasing and is expected to almost double this coming year. Studies show that coffee shops make up the fastest growing part of the restaurant business with a 7% annual growth rate. American consume 400 million cups of coffee per day or equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year.

Do you frequent a favorite spot for a cup of Joe? We would love to hear about what a great coffee experience is for you.

Changes at the NRA Show 2008

In the course of attending the National Restaurant Show for 28 years, I have seen many changes. This year, the 89th annual show, was no exception. Some vendors elected to sponsor larger booths and some vendors downsized. New vendors emerged and other vendors withdrew from the show.

Hot trends included espresso, technology of all forms, frozen beverages, Artesian breads and unique catering supplies. "Earth Friendly" and organic products were everywhere. Many vendors focused on sanitation issues.

I compliment the National Restaurant Association for hosting another successful event.

What were your take-a-ways from the 2008 NRA Show?

I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed.
~George Carlin

SCAA Newbe

First of all, I have to say it was amazing! Who knew that the coffee industry would be represented so well. From the growers in Ethiopia (the portrait country) to manufacturers of coffee equipment in the U.S., they were all there.

Most of my first two days was spent attending lectures and discussions about the coffee industry including an interesting keynote which features members of the Ethiopian delegation, SCAA officials, the CEO of Caribou Coffee, and a keynote by Michael Shuman, attorney and author.

The lectures and discussions were very educational, but the real excitement came on the show floor. Sampling coffee, tea, and even coffee soda were key to the show "experience." I was amazed to see the "coffee culture" and diversity represented from booth to booth. All showing their great love for the industry. Of course, included in my experience were walks into and through competitor booths. Come on, you have to see what their latest and greatest is.

All in all, it was a great experience for me. SCAA gave me an opportunity to learn more about the industry I love and to meet people who share that love.

Thanks SCAA!