The Green Bean Elan Organic Coffees Newsletter

	The Green Bean Elan Organic Coffees Newsletter: July 2008 Written by: Kayd Neill
Travels to Peru Erika Hernandez, General Manager of Elan Organic Coffees, had the opportunity to travel this past June to Chanchamayo, Peru to visit one of Elan's partners, Cooperative La Florida. Cooperative La Florida was established in October of 1966 starting with only 50 members. This coming October will be their 42nd Anniversary! In 2002 Elan Organic Coffees and La Florida established a long term contract. With this long term contract, the producers were able to continue their growth and establish future goals with security that they would be able to sell their product. La Florida works to improve the community in many ways. They support local schools by providing pencils, erasers, notebooks and other items. The Cooperative also owns their own tractor and a truck, allowing them to maintain the roads, making sure they are in good condition, making it easier for members to transport coffee with access from their community into town. Credi La Florida was established in 2002 with $320,000, allowing for small loans to members. Currently more than 1300 producers use this micro-credit program. Their long term goal is to be able to offer small loans to other organizations with low interest rates. Within the Cooperative, CETPROP, is an organization for the members families. They currently have a few programs for the kids, including a program on organic agriculture and another on agronomy. The idea is to promote leadership and creativity so students can return to their communities and apply what they've learned. 70% of La Florida's employees are members or member's sons and daughters... the other 30% that are non-members have quickly become part of the La Florida family! Erika also had the chance to travel to Pichanaki for the coffee festival, where she participated as a cupper for the 31 coffees submitted from the region. 9 will be sent to the national cupping in October and the top 3 were awarded on last Sunday. Erika reflects, "It was great to be part of the regional cupping. Peru is an origin with exceptional coffees and we see quality improving from year to year. La Florida and Elan have a wonderful partnership." Please click here to inquire about our new crop Peru offerings
Organic Coffee Hits $1 Billion in North America According to Sandra Marquardt, The Organic Trade Association, "The North American organic coffee market reached one billion dollars in 2007, according to new data released today during a sampling event featuring new organic coffees. The event was hosted by the Organic Coffee Collaboration, a project of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), at New York City's popular Union Square Cafe. Participants in the Collaboration are: Dallis Coffee (Ney York City, NY), Elan Organic Coffees (San Diego, CA.), Equal Exchange (West Bridgewater, MA), Fresh Harvest Products (New York City, NY), Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (Waterbury, VT), and Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company (Vancouver, Canada). The amount of organic coffee imported into the U.S. and Canada increased 29% from 2006-2007 from approximately 65 million pounds to approximately 81 million pounds, according to Mr. Daniele Giovannucci, author of the upcoming North American Organic Coffee Industry Survey, who presented the data at the event. Most of the coffee was sold in the United States. The survey will soon be available from the OTA. 'By purchasing any of the delicious and high quality organic coffees available today, consumers are helping protect the environment around the world,' said Caren Wilcox, OTA executive director. Giovannucci estimates the organic coffee sector now represents nearly 3% of the total U.S. green coffee imports in 2007, growing an average of 32% annually between 2000 and 2007. This growth dwarfs the estimated 1.5-2% annual growth rate of the conventional coffee industry. Organic coffee is grown in 40 countries worldwide, including the United States (Hawaii). According to Giovannucci, factors driving the increase in organic coffee production and consumption include: growth in values-based purchasing (including the desire to support organic production practices) and personal health or food safety concerns." Please click here for more information on the Organic Coffee Collaboration.
Travel with Elan to Ethiopia: Only a few spaces left! Elan Organic Coffees will be leading a tour to Ethiopia November 18-30, 2008. This 2 week tour will be the perfect balance between relaxation, beautiful scenery and education about organic coffee production. A highlight of the trip will be interacting with the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU), including cupping and a briefing on how the Union seeks to improve the lives and livelihoods of its members. Members of OCFCU are growers, processors and suppliers of high quality organic Arabica coffee from different regions of Ethiopia. The tour will be visiting many of these regions, including Yirga Chefe, Dire Dawa, and Harer... also a few scenic stops for bird watchers around the Ethiopian Rift! The tour will visit many small organic farms, cooperatives and their facilities, where they will cup and learn more about Ethiopian Coffees. To join us and receive more info: Adventure Associates: 206-932-8352 www.adventureassociates.net For more information on Bird Friendly® Ethiopia Coffee Click Here!
Featured Coffee Mexico New Crop Mexican organic, smbc and fair trade coffees have arrived on both coasts. These coffees from Chiapas have a lot of character this year, with soft fruit tones, a nice medium acidity and a rich body. A wonderful addition to any coffee menu. For more information on availability and pricing please contact Elan
SHOP ONLINE Elan Organic Coffees 1205 J Street Suite F, San Diego, CA. 92101 Phone 619.235.0392 Fax 619.235.0394 for more information contact kayd@elanorganic.com "Every Bean Counts"