After oil, coffee is the second most widely traded product in the world. Its impact on human cultures and the natural environment extends literally around the world. It takes hundreds of people to get each coffee bean from plant to cup. Every cup of coffee we buy and drink connects us with a web of hidden stories.
The leading producers of coffee are developing countries in Latin American, Africa and Asia. A major source of income, coffee is critical to their economies. Yet, less than 15% of the revenues end up in their hands. This is roughly 3 cents for your average $3 latte or americano. The United States consumes over 18 million 60 kg bags of coffee per year. We have the potential to change the circumstances for developing counties – getting more revenue directly into the hands of the communities that grow and harvest the coffee beans. Our choices as consumers make a real difference in their lives.
Want to learn more? Overflow Coffee Bar is sponsoring an educational event on October 29, 2009 from 7:00pm to 8:00 at (locally owned) South Loop Wine Cellar. Tim Taylor, a Chicago-based coffee buyer and roaster will share from his personal experience in the direct trade coffee movement. Amanda Neely, Executive Director of Overflow Coffee Bar will share about a new non-profit coffee shop opening in the South Loop.
For more information about the event, download the flyer at: http://www.overflowcoffeebar.org/OctoberEventFlyer.pdf.
To RSVP email info@overflowcoffeebar.org or call 773-919-6960.
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