coffee business strategies

Study shows coffee at lunch reduces diabetes

Andrew Hetzel — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:58:36 +0000

An interesting report out of Brazil (of course) shows that coffee consumed at lunchtime substantially reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes in women. I have not yet read the full study (were the other women, for example, fed large quantities of high fructose corn syrup and rat poison instead of coffee), but it [...]

Hawaiian Barista Wins Mainland Competition with Hula Daddy Coffee

Andrew Hetzel — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:06:45 +0000

Kailua-Kona Hawaii (March 3, 2010) – In two coffee industry firsts this past weekend in Los Angeles, Pete Licata of Honolulu became the first representative from Hawaii to win the Western Regional Barista Competition and also the first-ever to prevail at any barista competition using 100% Hawaiian coffee. Mr. Licata’s espresso blend of three coffees included [...]

Bogota, Colombia to Host 2011 World Barista Championship

Andrew Hetzel — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:00:04 +0000

LONDON (March 1, 2010) – Colombia has been selected to host the 12th annual World Barista Championship, which will be held in combination with the 2011 EXPOESPECIALES conference in Bogota. Seven countries vied to host the 2011 event. “Choosing a winner from the very competitive site proposals we received was an extremely difficult task for [...]

Gwilym tops London NY Times coffee story

Andrew Hetzel — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:01:36 +0000

The New York Times travel section published a story today about coffee in London, called London Sips Another Cup and where better to top their recommendations than World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies’ own Prufrock Coffee. Be sure to check out the article.

Andrew’s 2009 Year in Review Part 2

Andrew Hetzel — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:49:53 +0000

The 2009 retrospective continues… May 2009 – Jamaica Just recently back from Bucharest, it was time for a quick turnaround for the Caribbean… and specifically, Jamaica. The Jamaican Tourism Board slogan suggests, “once you go, you’ll know.” Oh, how I know! …and will never forget, so hard as I may try. I have been to the Caribbean [...]

The Economic Effects of Blending Kona Coffee analyzed

Andrew Hetzel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:01:39 +0000

A new study commissioned by the Kona Coffee Farmers Association touts the benefits of legislating that all products sold with the label Kona Coffee within the State of Hawaii should consist of 100% coffee grown in Kona. While I am in agreement with the concept of truth in labeling and believe that the origin [...]

Andrew’s 2009 Year in Review Part 1

Andrew Hetzel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:14:23 +0000

A 2009 retrospective in February 2010, you ask? Well, I’ve been hard at work for the last 6 weeks or so (which you will see in the 2010 wrap-up), so it’s going to have to do. What, you want a refund? This is my second annual year in review, started in 2008 and inspired [...]

SCAA Hires Director of Professional Development

Andrew Hetzel — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:35:21 +0000

From the SCAA this morning: In a move to increase the availability of education and professional development programs, the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) announced today that Ellie Hudson-Matuszak has been hired in a new position as Director of Professional Development. The selection was made after an extensive search and Ms. Matuszak will begin work [...]

Coffee on the Big Island

Andrew Hetzel — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:03:43 +0000

The Specialty Coffee Association of Europe released their full account of the group origin trip to Hawaii Island earlier this year. You can read it on the SCAE website. …and just in case you missed it, be sure to read my own account of the trip from November.

Jobs we love: Andrew Hetzel

Andrew Hetzel — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:51:04 +0000

Two weeks ago at the beginning of a round the world business trip (which I will write about later), my computer decided to commit suicide by drowning in orange juice, rendering me unable to cost effectively communicate with the outside world. I was finally able to purchase a replacement last night and when catching [...]