Ireland and UK Introduced To Cafe Vega

Coffee drinking is become so widespread that traditionally tea-drinking countries have huge and expanding markets for coffee. World coffee consumption in 2016/2017 was reported by the International Coffee Organisation as 158,901 bags (of 60 kg each), with Europe alone using 52,070 bags of coffee during that period (http://www.ico.org/prices/new-consumption-table.pdf).

Almost twice as much Arabica beans in comparison to Robusta beans are sold on the world market and most Europeans have become accustomed to Arabica coffee or blends of Arabica with some Robusta. Few serious northern coffee drinkers have had really good Robusta coffee. Globally, the Robusta coffee genepool is conserved in ex-situ collection plots in several African countries with the Ivory Coast maintaining the largest collection of 700 wild genotypes (Genetic variation in Coffea canephora L. (Var. Robusta) accessions from the founder gene pool evaluated with ISSR and RAPD. Tshilenge, K. K. Nkongolo, M. Mehes and A. Kalonji, 2008). There are probably hundreds of Robusta hybrids resulting from natural cross pollination as well as controlled breeding programmes.

Varieties in Trinidad and Tobago

In Trinidad and Tobago we have at least 21 recorded varieties of Robusta. Visits to abandoned fields and old coffee research plots suggest that there are likely to be dozens more, based on observations of morphological differences, particularly when the trees are laden with ripe fruit. A selection of a few of the superior flavour varieties are currently used in the production of Cafe Vega coffee.

Local demand for this coffee is increasing. There are several new local, small or micro scale roasters that are promoting the our varieties of coffee. Many visitors from North America and Europe have tasted these local coffees and have been quite pleased, often requesting overseas deliveries. With this in mind, Cafe Vega had the opportunity to share the superior Robusta experience with selected coffee shops/restaurants and coffee cognoscenti in Ireland and the United Kingdom. All of these efforts help in building awareness and creating a demand for Trinidad coffee.

Karen at Burren Fine Wine and Food, Ballyvaughan Ireland

Sam at The Citizen, Glasgow Scotland

Andrew and Alex at The Cricketers, Kew England

Debby and Colin... soon to be Cafe Vega converts!

Café Vega at the Conservation Congress

The Latin America and Caribbean Section of the Society for Conservation Biology partnered with the University of the West Indies to host the inaugural Latin America and Caribbean Congress for Conservation Biology (LACCCB 2018) in Trinidad and Tobago during July 25-27, 2018. 

The theme of the Congress was: Strengthening Conservation Connections Between the Caribbean and the Americas. Sessions included Symposia, Interactive Sessions, Short Courses, and Workshops. The Congress was held at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies.

   

Café Vega was invited to provide a superior local coffee experience for the international and local participants, most of whom were very appreciative of this added attraction. Many of the participants so enjoyed Café Vega, that packs of coffee were purchased to take back to their home country, especially among the Colombians. Perhaps there is an opportunity to explore an export market for our coffee to Latin America!

Cafe Vega on sale at the Conservation Congress.

Sharing information on the selection and processing of beans for Cafe Vega.

Exploring options to overseas buyers.

UWI TechAGRI Expo 2018

"Trinidad and Tobago is not a food secure nation and we must all be concerned. "This was the sentiment expressed by Dr. Wayne Ganpat, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture of the University of the West Indies, and it was under this premise the faculty had hosted its second TechAGRI Expo from Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, March 25 2018, 9AM-8AM.The four-day expo was intended to explore the multitude of available technologies that can address the challenge of food security as well as entrepreneurship and commercialization. It had also focused on the many technologies available to ensure a greater level of food and nutrition security as a nation, present opportunities to increase crop and livestock production, as well as display the vast collection of products made by entrepreneurs making well-labelled, packaged value-added products. Some of the attractions at the expo had included, latest innovations by young agri-entrepreneurs, mini-workshops, a local food village, a mini zoo, a children’s park and guided tours. TechAGRI has showcased entrepreneurship in several areas, innovations in agriculture and highlighted many areas of research outputs just begging for commercialization.

Cafe Vega Booth

 We participated in the TechAGRI Expo 2018 primarily as a means to promote brand awareness and conduct sales of our coffee to the event's patrons. We showcased both of our Talparo and Rio Claro varieties in dark and medium roasts. Additionally we did a presentation on the "Future of Coffee in Trinidad and Tobago" which was well attended and had several follow-ups by people who were interested in either rehabilitation of abandoned coffee farms or in the establishment of new ones.
 

In total, about 450 attendees visited our booth over the four days. Sales were not as good as anticipated and may have been due to the duration of the expo (less days, perhaps no more than two, would have reduced costs of participation) and by challenges in providing adequate electricity in a timely manner. Generally, many people were still unaware that high quality locally grown and roasted coffee is available and were pleasantly surprised by the flavour and robustness. Many expressed a preference for buying locally produced items once it met their quality expectations. 

Prof. Copeland, Principal of the UWI St Augustine Campus getting an orientation on coffee roasting.
(Photo by Dr. Marlene Attzs)

Coffee is no longer considered a crop of importance by the Ministry of Agriculture, despite growing evidence of the increasing number of coffee shops around the country. For example, Rituals Coffee House has about 56 outlets throughout the country and Starbucks has opened its business in five locations in Trinidad over the past few years. There are also dozens of small coffee shops scattered throughout the country. There may even be more coffee shops than rum shops in central Trinidad! Perhaps it is time the Ministry of Agriculture re-examines its lack of attention to coffee.