Did you know… Issue 11

In general, coffee drinkers do not seem to embrace coffee as an agricultural product. As a result, roasters will likely put less information on the packaging labels than is actually available.  For instance, a product may be labelled under a general name like “Costa Rica” while it may actually be “Costa Rica Tres Rios La Magnolia”. Such details make consumers nervous, as they tend to question whether the different crops are of equal quality. This can be hard on the roaster’s business. Learn how to read what you see on labels and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Berendo’s First Expedition with Gabriel

On January 3^rd, 2010 Gabriel set off to Morocco as an expedition leader for a new pilot series of the Reality Show “seVen”.  The objective of this show is to illustrate that people from different Arab countries can unite together and realize great things such as climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents, known as the “Crown of the Seven Summits”. Gabriel was enthusiastic about taking Berendo’s expresso along with a Gnali Zani expresso maker.

The team “seVen” climbed to the summit of Mount Jbel Toubka, an altitude of 4167 meters.  Mount Jbel Toubka is the highest mountain of the Atlas chain in North Africa.

The following is what Gabriel sent us while on the expedition and after the expedition:

“The Berendo espresso was tested earlier, it is as good here as it is in Montreal! Gnali (our espresso maker) is much appreciated by the production team! Talking about the production team, we have a meeting in two minutes.  I just served them double espressos; no one will sleep at this meeting!”

“The espresso was really good for the team. It was a moment truly appreciated by all when I took out the machine. They were impressed by the quality.”

“The Gnali Zani and the LE Berendo espresso passed the test and will be part of future expeditions.”

Here is a picture taken at 3200 meters, at the base camp between Imlil (1700 m) and the summit.

A picture of the team at the summit.

We invite you to follow Gabriel’s expeditions: www.gabrielfilippi.com and follow the next events of the team “seVen” on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=218184735821&ref=mf

Berendo and Gabriel Filippi : Sustainable Development

We are very proud to be associated with Gabriel, alpinist-conference speaker, as we share the same social values and passion for the environment!

Gabriel is devoted to humanitarian causes, mainly the ones who reach children as Berendo is with “Operation Enfant Soleil”. We truly believe that helping children in need in various capacities is giving these children hope for their own future. Gabriel is also the spokesperson for the program AthroAction of the Arthritis Society.

Furthermore, we share the same environmental values, to help preserve as much as possible the environment we live in. By doing so, we contribute in keeping our planet greener and a better place for our children’s future.

Last but not least, both Gabriel and Berendo constantly look for new ways to improve the day-to-day activities, which has an impact on keeping our planet green.

Berendo is proud to sponsor the fair trade and organic espresso LE Berendo during Gabriel’s expeditions throughout the world. Who knows where Berendo will go with Gabriel?

We invite you to follow Gabriel’s upcoming expeditions and  conferences and see where it brings you.

www.gabrielfilippi.com

Only 6 days left to the 2010 World Coffee Conference

The 2010 World Coffee Conference from February 26- 28 .  The conference will take place in Guatemala City, Guatemala.  This year’s theme ”  Coffee for the future ” with major focus on Sustainable Development.

http://www.wcc2010guatemala.com/

Did you know… Issue 10

Labels on coffee bags will tell you if the beans constitute a blend, a dark roast or a single -origin coffee.

A coffee “Blend” is a combination of coffees from different countries. The beans are blended for all sorts of reasons but roasters who create these blends, do it to distinguish their product from the others.

Although “Dark Roasts” differ in color and taste, they simply indicate that the beans are not the result of their own nature but the degree to which they were roasted. Dark roasts emphasize body but reduces acidity and aroma.

The “Single-Origin” or “Varietal” coffee originates from the same country or a particular region within that country.

Did you know… Issue 9

Once the coffee beans are roasted, they must be properly stored to preserve their fresh taste. The environmental factors responsible for deteriorating flavour in coffee are air, moisture, heat and light.

Consumers often purchase coffee in folded-over bags, which are generally not ideal for long-term storage because air is allowed in. A better package contains a one-way valve, which prevents air from entering.