2016 World of Coffee, Dublin Recap
March 15 of 2016 marked Mercanta’s 20th birthday: 20 years of investing in quality at coffee’s origin, 20 years of expanding the specialty market around the world and (most importantly) 20 years of fun.
We chose to celebrate with all our friends during this year’s World of Coffee Show in Dublin (June 23-25). The show was a huge success with visitors from around the world coming to say ‘hi’ at our stand and to cup some of our fine, specialty coffee with us. We were joined by 18 of our staff from around the world, including our Seattle, Medellin, Guatemala, Hamburg and Singapore offices, as well!
Activities included Coffee Sponsorship of the Re:Co Symposium ‘Green Coffee Collective’ Coffee Service. Our San Pascual Natural was a huge hit at the espresso bar and it’s strawberry notes perfectly illustrated some of the flavour notes of the new SCAA Coffee Flavour Wheel. It was pretty darn good with milk, as well. Our Kenya Gakuyuini showcased well at the filter coffee station as well!
At the stand, we cupped coffees from every corner of the coffee world: from Ethiopia to Honduras to Colombia and back to Kenya again. We showcased more than 30 fabulous coffees. Cuppings were open to the public and drew a diverse audience composed of baristas, roasters, coffee exporters and coffee farmers!
Our 20th Anniversary Party, held at the East Side Tavern was a huge success as well. Guests shared exceptional food and drink (including MANY trademark Mercanta caipirinhas) and danced the night away to all the hits (old and new) performed by Poplife, an amazing Dublin-based band with a very wide range. It is worth noting that there were even balloons. Grant Rattray, of Mercanta Singapore, kicked the evening off, and various friends and partners took the time to formally congratulate Stephen Hurst on his achievements. Guests, of course, partied until the wee hours of the morning. It was a great chance to catch up with our extensive community of coffee lovers.
Mercanta took the opportunity, as well, of having all their ducks on one place! We held a Group Strategic meeting the Sunday following the show, and together developed our goals and strategies for the coming year. We look forward to sharing news about sourcing trips and events that we are planning for the future. Watch this space!