We will continue to develop the coffee industry
OCTOBER 1, 2019, marks a significant occasion in the global coffee industry as over 25 million coffee stakeholders celebrate the fourth anniversary of International Coffee Day. This will bring together coffee lovers in a global celebration to share their love for coffee and the millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on growing, processing, marketing and retailing the product. The International Coffee Organization launched its first official International Coffee Day in Milan in 2015. This year, the International Coffee Day theme will be ‘Farmers’ Plight’, which brings into sharp focus the challenges that farmers faces globally because of the decrease in coffee prices at the farm gate.
The Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association (JCEA), which was established in 1996, continues to work in partnership with our Jamaica Blue Mountain (JBM) and High Mountain farmers to increase productivity as part of the strategy to alleviate the lower-than -expected coffee prices.
The JCEA, in partnership with Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority and Jamaica Promotions Corporation, is engaging in a number of strategies that will lead to sustainability overtime. In efforts to transform the coffee industry for the 7,000 coffee farmers, the JCEA has embarked on a number of strategies which include: 1. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the development of the JBM brand.
2. Participation in international coffee shows and exhibition
JBM Coffee Day 2019 – January 9.
The erection of the JBM billboards at the airports.
Specialty Coffee Association Exhibition in Boston – April 12-14, 2019.
Specialty Coffee Association Exhibition in Japan September 11-13, 2019.
Canada Coffee & Tea Show – September 23-23,2019.
lFirst Annual JCEA Awards Banquet – December 7, 2019.
All Japan Coffee Roasters Association Educational Tour – February 2020.
So as we celebrate this International Coffee Day, Jamaica will continue the mission to develop the coffee industry both locally and internationally to ensure increased production, productivity, and profitability for all stakeholders – our farmer, processors/exporters, importers and traders. Norman W. Grant OD, JP Chairman, Jamaica Coffee Exporters’ Association