GCQRI and the big "Q"

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the first Global Coffee Quality Research Initiative Congress. It is a big name for a big project. The goal for this congress was to provide a forum where the Specialty Coffee Industry's top leaders and thinkers will dialog with top coffee research scientist and development specialist on supply and quality issues facing the industry.
Needless to say for a meeting of this caliber I had no idea what I sign my self to be a part of, and I want to give you all a small window as to what happen during this historic event through my experience.

65 Coffee Industry professionals and Scientist participated in this congress which was initiated by a smaller group of professionals such as Peter Giuliano and Tim Schilling to name a very few. The initiative evolved out of two major concerns in the International Market.
1. Coffee consumption is growing, coffee production is not.
2. Coffee quality.

This two main points are the main drivers of what all of us in this Industry recognize as major factors in the future of Coffee. We understand that unless there is a change on how we conduct our every day business with coffee in what ever capacity we play in this Industry such us grower, importer, roaster etc, we are heading for a very bumpy ride.

In order to bring a much needed order to the Coffee Industry in general we need the input of every one involved in the chain, and we must include the scientific community to help us prevent further loss of quality coffees in the world, future technology for the grower to implement healthy growth and also the rest of the chain to establish a universal language that we can use in determining quality in coffee.

Not all coffee beans are the same, the problem is that we do not have a common measurement to classified all its characteristics we have so many protocols and they are all different, so what quality is for a grower, is very different then what quality is for a roaster or a scientist.

On top of that add the fact that we all negotiate for this commodity differently since we do not have a common language in classified coffee quality, the grower can not have a specific protocol in winch to grade their coffee for a better price.

This is a huge task for every one in this industry but we must take action or the consequence of not doing something are to grave, the challenge as I see it is to find that commune language in all of the chain of the industry, to unified and to learn to work as one. We all left mesmerized of the task at hand, and its enormity. We all have seen great projects that where put in place and very quickly diminish and not take effect, and now we find our selfs with a great proposal to make a difference and to be a part of something of such important magnitude to so many families.

And at the end of the day that is really the root. Coffee is a great product with an amazing number of consumers who have been misguided many times about thinking is jest a cup of coffee to wake you up. But is so much more then that, it represents stability and quality of life for millions around the world, it represents national security for all of us by securing livelihoods that other wise will change professions to other industries who will not have the best intent for our nations, it represents families staying together instead of the head of household migrating illegally to another country to make a better living. It insures that we have a great competitive and healthy industry that offers great quality coffee to the consumers.

Will this be and easy change, no, change is never easy is painful and uncomfortable, it requires digging and prowling in areas that are not easy to look at, it will required agreeing and disagreeing but allowing for the best to be chosen from the majority. Understanding that some times the best ideas come from the small guy and not from the big guy, as well as understanding the limitation that a small company has and allowing for the big one to facilitate an answer for the good of all of us.

There is much to do and at least 65 people who are willing to work at it. What about you, what ideas do you have to change the Industry? What do you think is need it for the quality of coffee to be improved? What kind of research would you like to see about coffee?.

It is important to have your input so please share we need your ideas as consumers, roaster, baristi, grower be a part of this.

A brand new way to purchase our coffee

So while we finish all our marketing materials and our website we have made it possible for every one to purchase our coffee from our blog.

So please tell your friends and every one you know if they want great coffee to come and order from our blog.

Also I will have some specials coming up. If your company is looking for a great gift for your clients or employees give me a call and I will design a blend for your company and private label your coffee bags so that you can make a great statement this holidays.

I understand how tough things are financially for all of us so I will work with you so that you can give a great gift with in your budget.

We are working hard to have great coffee and hot chocolate for the change of season.

So get ready is going to be delicious.

The high price of coffee in the international trade market.

So I am a roaster who needs to purchase coffee right before the beginning of harvest and in the midst of probably the highest price of coffee in the trade market at this time.  I have always pride myself in purchasing the most that I can directly from growers or co-ops that I have establish relationships with and always payed them a fair price for their coffee.  If I work with an Importer to purchase coffee I try to purchase relationship coffees which means a pay a bit more so that the grower can benefit from that extra bit of money.
Now we find our self's in a situation where I don't care what you are baying as a roaster you are paying fair pricing for that coffee because the market price for Coffee is so high.  But is that making any difference at the growers level?  You would think it does some way some how.  The truth is no, is not making not one bit of difference.  Why?, is simple the ones who are really profiting from this high pricing of coffee is the importers who purchase all their coffee early on the season and all the coffee is in their warehouses already, that coffee has been payed at a much lower price and the grower had to negotiate at the lowest possible to have all of their coffee sold.
The importer will sell you know that same coffee for the high market price of coffee today plus their commission which usually is about $.75 cents per pound more.  
As a roaster I have establish my market and have my clients who expect their coffee order every week. So I have no choice but to purchase last years coffee for a very high price, knowing perfectly well that none of that extra cash is going to the grower or benefiting the consumer with better product at all. Is the importer the bad guy here?, no they are challenge with a different set of problems that frankly I do not have any desire to handle as a roaster.   The coffee production will decrease in some country's because of many different problems, from to much rain, to the inability of growers to get financing for their harvest and there fore they move on to other trades, to the giant companies having very dirty and scary tactical ways of securing their coffee through their middle man.  I don't care how much they try to brain wash you with all the so call good they do for the grower such us putting a water hole in some communities, till you talk to some of this growers who have been confronted by this men you have no idea what really goes on.
Consumption of coffee is growing, and that is a great thing, but it is only a great thing if the Independent Roaster can establish a direct relationship with the grower, and the growers is able to sell directly to the roaster.  Is this possible when an Independent Roaster does not purchase a full container of coffee?, or when the small growers does not produce a full container of coffee? how can they come together and start purchasing from one another?.  The logistics alone to transport 10 bags of coffee or less is almost impossible you would have to pay 5 times more just to transport that coffee then what you actually  payed for the coffee.
Well a group of women started to think about all of this and came up with a great idea that is taking root in the beautiful state of Chiapas, Mexico.
Quest Coffee Koben Yah International is a company that has started a project to evaluate, grade, cup and profile and build a huge database that has an international trade mark for its protection and ability to work all over the world.  This database which will be available at the beginning of next year to all who are involved in purchase of coffee at any label to become members.  In this database roasters like me will be able to select and start a relationship with a grower of my choice. And all the growers will have a international representation through this data base where they can also find clients for their coffee.  Its like a major shopping center for coffee.  Where the growers is free to look for clients internationally and same for the international client.   And what is really cool is that small roasters like me can become members and be able to purchase the 10 bags I need or 3 or what ever number and through a logistics company that has been created to send this smaller lots of coffee at certain times of the year I wont have to pay those outrageous fees to bring that coffee in.
Is this an ambitious project?, yes it is.  Is it going to be easy, no nothing that is worth having succeed ever is.
Can the consumer, grower, importer and roaster benefit from this project?  Absolutely yes, the only ones who will suffer will be the middle man and the giant coffee companies little by little since the world of coffee will be more transparent and have freedom.
It will take time but this industry will change it is to important, and they are to many lives involved in the process not to try to make it better.
As a roaster I am excited for the future of this Industry, I am excited for the grower, and for my clients.

Roasting Classes

Our Roasting Classes  will begin This September starting on the 17th through the 19th. Is a 3 day intense course for any one interested to learn how to grade, cup and roast properly.  We are teaching you as much as we can fill in 3 days so that you can have as much of the valuable information that you will need to have for your business be successful.

Fees:  The fee for the course is $720.00 it mast be payed in full by August 30th, we accept all credit cards, our you can also send a check but your spot will not be secure till the check clears so you need to have your check in by the 26th. Your fee includes the hotel, breakfast, and lunch for the 3 days of classes, your meals on the day of your arrival and your dinners during your stay is on you.

Travel arrangements:

You have to fly in to Austin, TX  at the Bergstrom International Airport on the 16th we will pick you up and transport you to Flatonia to the hotel.  Our last session is on the 19th and we will finish at 3:00 so you can fly out from Austin late afternoon from 6pm out of Austin, Tx or early on the 20th and we will take you to the Austin Airport for your departure.

The hotel that we have made arrangement for is the beautiful Olle Hotel in Flatonia check out their web site at ollehotel.com. 

There are 2 Airports in Austin make sure you have made your trip arrangements for the Bergstrom Airport.

Dress Code:  It is hot so dress appropriately and with comfortable shoes.

It is very important that you stay hydrated, since you will be loosing a lot of fluids.

First Day Class

Starting time 8:00 am

Ending at 5:00 pm

Know your beans, we will be learning harvest times of origins, how to read the C Market and why is important for you to understand it. Importing of Coffee, how to purchase from Origin and the new Coffee Profile Bank and how to use it to your advantage to purchase from origin in a secure way.

Grading, coffee score, water saturation why is it important for you to know this percentage, roasting your samples. 

Roasting Degrees.

Second Day:

Cupping your samples, get ready to roast, roasting origins and how to blend.

Roasters Calculator: If you don't know accurately what your cost is your not pricing right.

Roasting Defects. Chemical changes of coffee in the roasting process.

Know your roaster: Cleaning, grease and make sure you know your roaster.

Differences in roasters.

Third Day:

Packageing and labeling. What are the certifications worth looking into. 

Organic and non organic that is the question.

Flavoring coffee.

Roasting exercises, cupping the job.

Final Q and A and chance to purchase items for your roaster.

Store:

We will have important items for you to purchase for your roaster so bring extra cash if you want to take advantage of purchasing this items.

If you are interested in this classes please e-mail me at ferracoffee@yahoo.com, and we will send you a registration packet. Remember we only have 10 spaces available, so is first come first serve.

See you soon.

The Industry.

 in the earlier years of my carrier as a woman coffee roaster, I felt intimidated by all of the grander of the Coffee Industry.   I thought it was going to be hard to fit in or be a part of such a powerful industry. I really thought it was a man's industry and I better watch out to the male oriented, power driven and anti woman group of professional Coffee Roasters.  Boyyy was I for a big surprise, I remember the very first SCAA Event that I went to, it was about 5 years ago, I was blown away by the reception and the good will of the people I met.
I was bless to learn so much of this amazing industry from some very seasoned professionals and experts in the field. They where so supportive of my work and where so kind to offer me any help and assistance I needed to learn and get better at what I was doing and yes the majority where men.
And I also had the great opportunity to meet some amazing women who where also leaders in their field and where so instrumental in my growth in this industry.  Here is the really cool thing, a lot of the people who made a deep mark in my development, I don't think they know they were so instrumental in doing what they did in my life.
But I think that happens to all of us, people make deep marks in our life's and they do not know how much impact they are making.  They simply are doing what they do every day with all their passion and love, with all their enthusiasm that comes so natural because they know that what they are doing is why God put them in this earth to do and they are happy to do it.
From women coffee growers who where push to become growers by their husbands living them with their children to feed and a coffee field to grow, to the women who are roasters and teachers for Baristas and Rosters they all are so very important.  We are not a minority in an industry we are a part of an industry where we all men and woman are doing important work not just to bring the consumer a cup of coffee, but to put food on the table in the lives of families. We are changing, and preserving the human rights of many men and women and children.  We are part of an industry that celebrates us all in our differences in culture, color and race, and where its OK to demand that you are treated with respect and that your labor is well compensated.  It is not just enough that I am roasting coffee and selling it to my clients I have an obligation to promote all of the people that are part of the chain that makes my industry.
Why you ask?.  Simple I know God put me on this earth to be doing what I am doing, "I am a Coffee Roaster.".

For children to work or not to work. That is the question.

In all my travels to origin I have found that the majority of the producers that I have met, the whole family works on the farm including the children I also see the children working at the plaza selling jewelery and other small items to the tourist. And even though it breaks my heart, I understand the need for them to contribute to their families income.

Needless to say my heart aches when I see them, instead of going to school and enjoying their childhood they are hard at work every day, all day. One time I saw this beautiful little girl she was about 4 or 5 years old. I notice her nose was bleeding and her older sister told me:" she is OK she is thirsty that is all". When she told me that it dawn on me she was dehydrated. She was selling me a small doll that she had made with ribbon and wool. I told her I would buy it if she promised to go and buy something to drink right away,and she did.

From all of these experiences it makes it even more difficult for me to come back to the USA and see how many people enjoy drinking coffee from the giants who sell their coffee for so much and give so little to the people who work so hard to plant and take care of the coffee trees. These growers have to sell to the giants for a very low price.

Then this company pretend they are doing something for the growers such as dig a couple of water holes and buy some coffee for a bit more than their usual price, making a huge deal about their efforts, spending millions letting you know with their beautiful marketing.

The truth is that they still are buying 90% or more of their coffee for almost nothing, using Coyotes or middleman to purchase the coffee from the small grower who does not have neither the volume or the know how to sell their coffee for the price they deserve.

The truth is that whether I wanted or not the children will still have to work until we all as consumers are smart enough and courages enough to realize that marketing for as beautiful and powerful as it may be, it's not really giving you the real story. It wont stop until all of us as consumers pay attention to the independents who are putting all on the line to show you the truth and sell you the best. Is it worth it for you to have to drive a bit longer or get out of your car to buy your coffee from and independent coffee shop or roaster who you know for sure are buying their coffee for a fair price? You tell me.....

The Coffee Life

I have been a part of the Coffee Industry for 13 years, I can truly say that it is one of the most wonderful Industries that any one can get involved in not only because I love coffee, but because of the chain of human beings that are involved to bring my daily cup of Joe.

When I first started in this business I started in it because of what I found out the growers of coffee where going through and I could not imagine how when I payed 4 to 5 dollars for a latte or mocha,

the grower was only getting .5 cents per pound. I literally could not believe it, I had to find out for my self.

So me and my best friend Sylvia decide it to go into the coffee business and try to make a difference in the life’s of the growers, so after owning 3 coffee shops and then learning to roast and become a Q grader today I fill like we are finally able to make a contribution to the growers, and our clients.

I design a Bank of Profiles of coffee for the region of Chiapas Mexico, the State of Chiapas has been an amazing part of the birth and development of the bank I have two amazing ladies who together with me are committed to work on this project till we can grade, cup and catalog the coffee of every grower in Chiapas.

Secondly we are in progress of creating a full coffee curriculum for the prestigious culinary institute of Mexico City and the culinary institute Koben-Yah in Chiapas. This curriculum is extremely important because we are able to bring the chefs a sophisticated and complete look at the world of coffee. For years there has been a disconnect between the coffee grower and the chef.

Today that is changing the grower understands the value that the chefs bring to their coffee, and chefs are learning how amazing and sophisticated coffee is jest like wine and all the options that they have to pair with their menu.

My love is to work with chefs and design blends for their menu. It is so fun to have a chef cup the design blend for their menu and how amazingly it completes the full experience of their amazing food creations.

If you think about it when you are in a restaurant and at the end of your meal the server comes and offers you a cup of coffee, you immediately say yes and you never ask the server; well how much is a cup?, or what kind of coffees do you have?, you jest say sure I will have a cup.

But you will certainly remember if that restaurant has good coffee or bad coffee, today I am proud to say that for every chef and or restaurant that I have design their coffee program all of them have had to start selling their blend by the pound because their clients want to take some home.

In one of the early meetings that we had with the growers from Mexico I remember this young men and his 8 year old son who had walk for 3 days him and his son to bring me a sample of his coffee. When he handed me the small bag of green coffee he told me in Spanish:” please señora represent our coffee and us well over in the United States”. I can not tell you how much that impacted me to see this man who was putting so much trust in me, to represent him here to you all.

Even do I love what I do it has not been easy, this market is very competitive and there is a lot of bad information in the market about coffee. For independent roasters like me is not easy to fight all the bad information and the marketing of the giant companies who we all know very well.

None the less I will never change what I do for any thing. I have given my word to the growers that I would do my best not only to represent them well to you all, but to roast and highlight their amazing product to every chef, every restaurant and to every retail client I have.

Susan Jaime

21st Century Rodan

The upper right-hand

corner of my desk blotter;

a fresh, stark canvas

this morning, now a sepia

montage of concentric

accomplishments.

I sip,

I Think.

I sip,

I think.

I sip…

I think.

Sip.

Think.

Sip.

Think.

Sip

Big sip

sip sip sip

sip sip sippppp.

Ahhhhhhh.

Final sip, cup down.

A caffeine-laced

still life of a Slinky.

Boy-oh-boy-oh-boy-oh-man

was-I-ever productive

today!

-Mark L. Lucker