The session on mass-market single cup options was divisive, yet served as important context for a debate around differentiation. We lined up K-cup® and Starbucks’ soluble innovation VIA™ alongside boutique methods such as the Clever®, Hario V60 Dripper, and Chemex® as well as the new BUNN Trifecta Machine for a reason…we hoped lines would be drawn, and many were.
The discussion further intensified around challenging and complex topics such as Hunger in the Coffeelands, Growing Consumption, and with the final session on the Global Coffee Quality Research Initiative that proposed a solution to the growing threat of supply shortages for higher quality coffee…ultimately leaving the final question unanswered—can we achieve this? Whether that question is inspiring or overwhelming, there is no choice but to answer it affirmatively. Yes, we can achieve anything with the right people in the same room having a dialogue and defining actions.
Miguel
April 23, 2010
Good symposium overall. I think for next year we should work on making sure we get more producer representatives attending the event (especially small-scale producers' representatives). Their input is priceless but the price to attend the symposium might be too high for most of them.
CoffeeNate
April 23, 2010
Wow, that's quite a range in brewing methods. I can only guess that the line was between VIA and everything else. There really is no comparison between 'microground' rankness and any actual brewer.
I would love to get some further info on the new sustainability program that I've heard hints about! I look forward to attending 2011's show in Houston!