How Coffee Explains the World

Nick Benson, founder of Washington based Zero Prophet Coffee will present How Coffee Explains the World.

To meet the burgeoning demand for coffee in developed economies, production has increased by 50% in the last 25 years, involving 150 million people worldwide in the coffee economy, from crop to cup. Coffee is now conservatively estimated to be the world’s fourth most-valuable agricultural commodity. Consumers are much more aware of their power of influence, and it is common to find coffee houses with aspirational names as well as a multitude of certifications regarding proper agricultural and labor practices.

This presentation will explore several related questions arising from a deep immersion in strong coffee: beyond do coffee growers, roasters, and cafes serve as catalysts for social change? As the public increasingly expects transparency, and ethical, sustainable practices, does the industry measure up? What can a local micro-roaster do to find out the answers to these questions, and how do local practices on a small scale reflect these broad concerns?

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