6 STiR tea & coffee industry international / Issue 5, 2015 (October/November)
Incorporating
Advertising Representation:
Global
Glenn Anthony John (Thailand)
Tel +66 2 660 3789
Mobile +1 917 843 0000
gaj@octobermultimedia.com
The Americas /
Northern Europe
Emerson Leonard (United States)
Tel/Mobile: +1 917 680 1050
edl@octobermultimedia.com
Spain / Italy
Jonathan Wesley Bell (France)
Tel: +33 563 414790
jwb@octobermultimedia.com
Printing/Distribution
October Inter Co., Ltd.
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel 66 2 660 3789
Fax +66 2 660 3881
info@stir-tea-coffee.com
Up Front
* The "i" in STiR's cover logo is the
Flavourtech Spinning Cone
Column which is used as an aroma
recovery device in soluble coffee
production. (See ad on pg. 15)
Is a Merger to Come?
In a letter recounting a history of
collaboration, Ric Rhinehart, the execu-
tive director of Specialty Coffee Associa-
tion of America (SCAA), announced the
organization is considering a merger with
Specialty Coffee Association of Europe
(SCAE).
Rhinehart posted a letter in the
Specialty Coffee Chronicle recounting the
recent history of collaboration with other
associations and institutes. In it he
reported about a joint meeting held in
London in September between the
boards of directors for SCAA and SCAE
who discussed "greater alignment" in a
"facilitated discussion."
Ric Rhinehart, SCAA
How deep a collaboration is possible remains to be seen. Here is an excerpt of
Rhinehart's letter:
"The only way it makes sense to unify is if it increases the value of our association
to those who drive it.
What we know so far is that:
• International coffee standards, a global coffee system, globally inclusive events,
better standards, and more publications are possible if we expand the scope of our
association.
• We have a stronger chance of making a difference in the lives of coffee farmers,
entrepreneurs, baristas, tasters, experts, and many other coffee professionals by
expanding our international network.
• Engaging at the global level is our best chance at ensuring the future sustainabil-
ity, viability, and availability of the coffees on which we've built our industry."
In the meantime, please engage with others in the community on these ideas and
we'd love to hear your thoughts. Your voice is always a welcome addition and you can
always reach me at executivedirector@scaa.org or your president, Tracy Allen, at
president@scaa.org."
Learn more: www.scaa.org/chronicle
SCAE and SCAA board members following a joint discussion on closer coordination.
