April 20, 2009

ACDI/VOCA-Colombia Exhibits at SCAA Expo in Atlanta

Displaying festive decorations and specialty coffee from smallholder producers, ACDI/VOCA’s USAID Specialty Coffee Program exhibited at the 21st Annual Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Exposition held April 16-19 in Atlanta, Georgia. From producers to baristas, the SCAA event brought together a wide range of specialty coffee industry players. The exposition included over 800 booths, over 30 lectures, the World Barista Championship, and the launch of the first U.S. Taster’s Championship.

ACDI/VOCA exhibited with the two other USAID/Colombia coffee programs, together bringing nine smallholder producers representing different coffee-producing regions and thousands of beneficiaries like them. This was the first trip outside of Colombia for many of the producers. The expo was a valuable experience for them to meet with market players and an eye-opening experience as individuals. ACDI/VOCA beneficiary Gabriel Gil was among these attendees and was able to meet with a buyer of his coffee beans who gave him a present of the final roasted, ground and packaged product (pictured at left, holding coffee bag). The producers attended several lectures, which were simultaneously interpreted in Spanish, such as “From Green Beans to Green Cafes: Ensuring Sustainability,” “Conservation and Climate Change: What Works at Origin and What Doesn’t,” and “Using Data Systems to Manage Quality in the Supply Chain.” In addition, several of the producers were able to further strengthen relationships with current buyers and meet potential new buyers.

The SCAA event this year also spotlighted the Colombian Specialty Coffee Association, a nonprofit organization begun in 2003 to provide support and promote cooperation among various players in the Colombian coffee value chain. ACDI/VOCA and its partner the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) provide key technical assistance to the association and have been promoting its growth and development. Showcasing the association in the expo generated much interest from attendees.

To learn more about ACDI/VOCA’s work in Colombia, click here.