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A boost for Robusta: CQI pilots new course on NKG’s Kaweri farm
A boost for Robusta: CQI pilots new course on NKG’s Kaweri farm
All participants during the CQI Pilot Training on Kaweri Farm in Uganda
To achieve this change, the commitment from CQI is essential as it contributes significantly to educational developments in the coffee industry. With its coffee quality trainings, the non-profit organization reaches a wide audience and creates awareness about coffee quality. By adding the course piloted on Kaweri to their curriculum, CQI will ensure that the same professional level of education is available for Robusta as it is for Arabica, as Tina Yerkes, CEO of CQI, outlines: “The trainings for Arabica and Robusta are not the same, and that was why it was important for us to trial the new course with the intention to make it widely available to coffee professionals. Given the many challenges that producers face, these post-harvest processing classes are important tools for improving the quality of their coffee”.
Furthermore, Tina Yerkes is satisfied about the cooperation with NKG and points out that the partnership is an excellent opportunity for a nonprofit and a large industry player to work together: “These are critical partnerships to move the needle on improving producers’ livelihoods, making coffee education accessible and ultimately ensuring sustainability of coffee production. NKG recognized the importance of Robusta education and was willing to partner in this creative way. We are grateful for their support and partnership.”
About the coffee quality institute (CQI)
The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) is a non-profit organization working internationally to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of people who produce it. CQI’s vision is an education system that will pave the path to self-sufficient, thriving, sustainable coffee communities by supporting a common language of coffee and the best scientific practices throughout the value chain to improve quality. Producers’ lives are enriched, they receive appropriate value for their specialty coffee, they are distinguished and respected in the market, and consumers appreciate the value and complexity of specialty coffee creating a strong market demand. CQI is best known for its Q Arabica/Robusta Grader program, which is considered one of the most recognized in the coffee industry.
For years, NKG has strived to promote high-quality Robusta. The cooperation with CQI therefore provides an opportunity to build knowledge, experience and expertise that will help improve the quality of Robusta and its appreciation in the market and provide sustainable income opportunities for farmers.
That efforts to improve Robusta quality are worthwhile explains Gloria Pedroza, who sees great potential in Robusta coffee: “Historically Robusta has been essential component of blends, mainly espresso blends, and it has characteristics that are appreciated by consumers.
However, there is not much experience about how to appreciate and rate its attributes. Processing techniques for Robusta have not been fully explored the way it has been done for Arabica, although experience on the field has shown that among other factors, the post-harvest processing techniques have an impact on the cup quality of Robusta as well. We believe it is important to pay the same attention to both species when it comes to field practices and post-harvesting processing”.
The implementation of the course is planned soon, Tina Yerkes says: “[Our] objective was to ensure that the people on site would be certified to become instructors, and that will kickstart the dissemination of the Robusta processing course. We anticipate the release of this course by the end of the year.”
From storage to processing and delivery of green coffee – at NKG Kala, only exciting things about coffee happen. Modern facilities, advanced technology, and also the passion of our colleagues working closely with the product make NKG Kala one of the most fascinating places in the whole NKG world. It’s about time that everyone gets a glimpse! Enjoy this virtual tour!
How much we missed meeting other coffee people from all over the world! Finally, exhibitions and events are taking place again and of course we as NKG have taken the chance to present ourselves and our wonderful product at various occasions. Take a look at some of the highlights from this year so far!
30 years at Neumann Kaffee Gruppe! On July 1, our Group CEO David M. Neumann celebrated this remarkable anniversary. As a little surprise for this special day, our colleagues around the world recorded video clips that we edited into a very touching personal video message for him. Enjoy watching it and Congratulations again, Mr. Neumann!
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