We are the Growers……in Peru

posted at 11:51am, 19 Jan 10 by Cafédirect HQ [ 1 comment ]

Today we have an update from Kevin Hogan, Cafédirect’s Technical Manager, who ensures that we preserve the excellent quality and flavour of the growers’ coffee, tea and cocoa when they reach Cafédirect UK.

“Our first day in Peru was also my first visit to Cafédirect’s grower partners….

First stop was the trading office in Miraflores, Lima, to visit the experts  (pictured below) who work with some of our Peruvian coffee partners.

I learned about the valuable training and advice they provide  growers on topics such as technical issues, quality control,  cupping and shipping.

Our grower partners invest a lot of time in cupping and quality grading of the coffee they grow. Key parameters such as moisture, bean size and defects are analysed to ensure “the best of the crop” for Cafédirect.

Our meeting contained lots of references to calidad, Spanish for quality, not surprising as this is at the forefront of what Cafédirect does!

Next stop is the export office of COCLA whose coffee goes into our Machu Picchu beans, fresh ground & freeze dried coffees (among others!)”

Friend of the Month – Angela Feaviour

posted at 4:41pm, 18 Jan 10 by Yasmin [ 4 comments ]

Cyclist, Fairtrade campaigner and Cafédirect shareholder, Angela Feaviour, is January’s Friend of the Month.

Tea or coffee?
COFFEE

What is your favorite Cafédirect drink?

Kilimanjaro fresh ground coffee, I only discovered it six months ago and it’s fabulous!

How did you discover Cafédirect?
Through campaigning for Fairtrade –  I’ve been a Fairtrade campaigner since 2000 and am currently part of the Leighton Buzzard Fairtrade group.

What is the best thing about being a Friend of the Cafédirect?
Everyone at Cafédirect is so friendly – I’ve volunteered at events and have also been in touch to request samples for my own events.  Recently I ran a coffee tasting event , using the great kits that were offered to Friends.

Being a Friend you can truly say “I am Cafédirect!”

You’ve recently become a Cafédirect shareholder – how did this come about?

They were a Christmas present from my husband! I found out that it was possible to become a shareholder so asked for Cafédirect shares for Christmas.

I do hold shares in several companies but I’m not interested in attending their AGMs, however with Cafédirect I feel a part of a friendly, accessible, forward-looking company. I’m really looking forward to the AGM this year and meeting other shareholders.

Do you have any hidden talents?
My husband says I am very useful helping him out when he is doing a Code Word!

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
I am always out cycling with friends. I did the Mayor of London’s Bike Ride this year and also have done The North Sea Cycle Route. It is all those countries with coastline on the Northsea. With a friend we have done a part each year beginning in 2004, finishing by completing the route this year in Germany.

I’m also am Sustrans ranger and look after part of Route 6 near where I live.

If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?
1. Fairer trade rules for developing countries
2. Part of my campaigning role is approaching new businesses in and around Leighton Buzzard asking if they will support fairtrade. A few weeks ago I was in a new coffee shop speaking to the owner and I have just heard they have ordered some fair-trade items, including some Cafédirect! I wish it was always so easy!
3. That improvements in cycle provision continue and that there could be a greater understanding between car drivers and cyclists.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Eco Tourism project run by KNCU coffee co-operative in Tanzania. I’d love to see how Cafédirect work with the producers and even meet some of them.

Glass half empty or half full
Half full!

I’m sure that Angela, like most other Fairtrade campaigners across the UK, will be starting to plan her Fairtrade Fortnight activity now. This year, we want you to make your Big Swap a swap to Cafédirect Tea and help us spread the word by holding a fun tea party for your friends, school, workplace or local community.

Keep checking the blog, the Cafédirect Facebook page and our Twitter for updates on when these kits will be availiable!

Friday Fun – winter weather fun!

posted at 12:22pm, 15 Jan 10 by Siobhan [ 32 comments ]

How did you enjoy the big freeze recently? Did the snow make your journey to work difficult, or did you delight in the winter wonderland?  Today we’d like to hear your winter weather tips  so share in the comment box below.

Maybe you stayed indoors with a cup of cocoa and a good book. Or  you wrapped up warm in winter woolies, carrying a flask of your favourite Cafédirect drink with you and had fun in the snow.  Did you make a snowman (or snow elephant!) and decorate with coffee beans? Whatever it was we’d love to know.

To enter Friday Fun: Post your winter weather tips in the comment box below.  As usual, the most creative entry will win so be as inventive as you can!

The winner will win our Winter Weather Kit (pictured below) which includes a Bodum travel mug (which you can personalise with your favourite photo!), Cafédirect San Cristobal Drinking Chocolate, Everyday Tea and Machu Picchu Instant coffee. Prizes can only be sent to a UK or Ireland postal address.

You have until 10a.m. Monday 18th January to post your response. The most creative or interesting entry will be chosen by judges from Cafédirect and announced on Monday on our blog.

Good luck!

Update from our grower partners in Haiti

posted at 5:07pm, 14 Jan 10 by Siobhan [ 6 comments ]

As most of you will be aware, Haiti was struck by an earthquake on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

We’ve been in touch with  RECOCARNO, our Haitian coffee partners, and are relieved to report that their farming communities have not been directly affected by this devastating earthquake.

The co-operative, which has been a partner of Cafédirect since 1998, is situated in the north of the country, far enough away from the epicentre of the earthquake to have avoided the worst devastation.

However, as it is the middle of the coffee harvesting season, and there is extensive damage to Port-au-Prince and transport infrastructure, there will be challenges ahead for RECOCARNO in getting their coffee to market.  We will be working with them to see how we can provide support and will continue to keep you updated when we hear more.