STiR coffee and tea magazine

STiR coffee and tea 17 "Our farm allows us to learn firsthand the ongoing complexities that coffee farmers face in order to accelerate our comprehensive approach to ethical sourcing," said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and c.e.o. "Now more than ever, we must ensure the future of coffee through sustainable practices so that it is available for generations to come." Robusta in Costa Rica? Officials in Costa Rica are trying to end a 30-year ban on robusta production in order to combat climate change and improve farm incomes. The Costa Rica Ministry of Agricul- ture is hoping to reverse the policy that went into effect in 1988. Officials at the time urged farmers to plant arabica trees for its market potential. The effort was, in part, successful as Costa Rica is now known for its quality arabica coffees. The move to robusta is not assured, according to published reports. On one side are arabica defenders who want to protect the quality brand. On the other are robusta promoters who are looking to increase farmers' income and guard against climate change, pests, and disease that could decimate the industry. GERMANY Neumann Kaffee Acquires Atlas Neumann Kaffee Gruppe has acquired majority control of Seattle-based Atlas Coffee Importers and will make it a subsidiary of the worldwide green trading company. Despite its subsidiary status, Atlas will "continue as an independent company focused on providing person- alized, specialty coffee trading services to benefit the global coffee community," Atlas said in a statement. Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, based on Hamburg, Germany, operates with nearly 50 companies in more than 25 countries covering most every step in the coffee supply chain. "This recent addition to our portfolio stresses the importance of North America as the world's largest coffee consuming market and our lasting commitment to it," c.e.o. David M. Neumann said in a company statement. "With operations in New York, Rhode Island, Houston, San Diego, and now Seattle, we cover the entire demand spectrum from commer- cial grades to specialty and premium specialty." For more information, visit atlascoffee.com and www.nkg.net NORWAY Nordic Approach Starts Tropiq Nordic Approach, a Norwegian green coffee sourcing company, has created a new entity – Tropiq – to concentrate exclusively on origin investment and sourcing. "We will invest in origin and focus on sourcing only," the new company stated on its website. "Through this we will be able to structure the supply for Nordic Approach, as well as sell coffee directly to clients in need of bigger volumes." The company said it will maintain offices and staff in some countries of origin and will be represented by Nordic Approach staff and third-party partners in other locations. For more information, visit the company website: www.tropiq.no SWEDEN Welbilt Buys Crem Foodservice equipment seller Welbilt is acquiring AVAJ international Holding AB, the parent company of Swedish espresso equipment provider Crem International. The price is about $224 million, according to Welbilt. The deal, announced in late Febru- ary, involves 100% of AVAJ shares. Crem International, owner of the Coffee Queen and Expobar brands, reports annual sales of $90 million. Hubertus Muehlhaeuser, Welbilt's president and c.e.o., said in a statement that "Crem expands our full-line of commercial foodservice equipment coverage by adding the fast-growing hot coffee category to our portfolio. "Crem is very strong in Europe and Asia, supporting our strategic objective of expanding our presence in these two important regions. We foresee signifi- cant cross-selling opportunities between Crem's and Welbilt's respective custom- er bases in those regions and see further opportunity to bring Crem to Welbilt's customer base in the US and include it as a core offering in our 'fit kitchen' system solutions." SWITZERLAND Blockchain Partnership Blockchain vendor Ambrosus Technolo- gies and trade group Swiss Coffee Alliance are teaming up to bring technology to the aid of local coffee farmers around the world. ITALY Bernardinelli Heads La Marzocco Guido Bernardinelli has been named c.e.o. of La Marzocco International, replacing longtime head Kent Bakke. Bernardinelli had been managing director of La Marzocco SRL in Italy for eight years. Bakke, the company's longtime c.e.o., remains with the company as a board member and advisor. "As a long-term, pivotal member of the management team, Guido has been instrumental in developing and execut- ing the company's long-term strategic goals," Bakke said in a statement. "This leadership transition represents a significant milestone in advancing La Marzocco's legacy into the future. MYANMAR Coffee Bean Brand Expands Singapore Myanmar Investco (SMI) has secured an exclusive arrangement to develop the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand in Myanmar. The deal, announced in late February according to published reports, calls for SMI to open new Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets in the country. SMI already operates two outlets within Yangon International Airport under a previous agreement. Both are reported to be successful and "encouraging." SMI focuses on business develop- ment in the areas of retail fashion, food and beverage, travel, and auto services in emerging Southeast Asian markets. Guido Bernardinelli, c.e.o. La Marzocco

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