A few more thoughts about the SCAA Event:
First observation: the SCAA Event is a really big deal for the specialty coffee industry. I get that now.
Congratulations to Katie Carguilo, who works for Counterculture Coffee in New York, for taking home the championship trophy.
Devin Chapman, representing Coava, was the highest finisher from Portland. He finished fourth overall.
The biggest surprise for me was that the President of Honduras (yes, the head of state), Porfirio Lobo Sosa, showed up to give a speech during the opening ceremonies. I had no idea he was even around until they introduced him. He spoke for about 20 minutes, emphasizing several times that “behind each cup of Honduran coffee is a family that grows the coffee.”
The most “Portlandian” thing I saw during the week happened at Coffelandia, the big street party hosted by Portland Roasting (a great event, by the way). We were walking up to the front gate when a group of naked bicyclists rode up and rode a few circles in the street. At least I think they were naked. To be honest, I didn’t notice if they had shoes on.
In addition to the USBC, I also spent some time at the Exposition, checking out the latest and greatest things coming to specialty coffee. I tried to get a photo of as many Portland faces and displays as I could (check out the higher-resolution versions here). You might see a few people you recognize.
Public Domain was pulling shots outside the entrance to the USBC
Publisher Ken Olson and Editor Sarah Allen greeted people at the Barista Magazine booth
The people from Portland Roasting were all smiles
Portland Roasting marketing materials, showing off the company's focus
Jinsu liked the CBI booth
Matt Milletto at the American Barista and Coffee School booth
The Boyd's Coffee crew was on hand to share some of Portland's coffee history with attendees
Café Feminino was there to promote the cause of women coffee farmers around the world
Steven Smith (founder of Tazo and current owner of Steven Smith Tea) gave us a lesson on how to brew great tea at home
We ran into Dan Welch, from World Cup Coffee and Tea drinking coffee with Arianna Hartstrom, owner of Costa Oro, in front of the Sisters Coffee booth
Jasmine Pearl Tea, another Portland tea company, came to share its wares
Fresh Cup is a coffee/tea magazine based in Portland.
Scenic Fruit sells wholesale 100% fruit smoothies from its plant in Gresham