In the year 2001 I had undertaken the task to create awareness among decision makers of the world (coffee industry and government officials) about the negative impact the coffee crisis was having on the lives of millions of coffee farmers and their workers in the coffee producing countries. Naturally, it was very clear to see the damage it was also causing to the industry. I was very fortunate to meet Susie Spindler at an SCAA´s IRC meeting in January 2002 and learn first hand the success she was having with this initiative in Brazil and Guatemala, and was able to get Nicaragua as the third producing country to commit to this event which has helped to change the attitude and vision of the Nicaraguan coffee producers about the coffee market. Moreover, this has allowed an important sector of the industry to come together (roasters and producers) under one important objective – discover the highest quality coffee and teach all who are interested what it takes to do it!

This I had never experienced in the coffee industry, it was always producers on one side and consumers on the other side. The last five years has allowed Cup of Excellence to consolidate itself as the most important coffee event of the year in many countries. However, we must recognize the challenges, threats, and opportunities ahead. ACE and its consumer members need to continue developing the market by focusing more on marketing issues, while producers need to appropriate themselves of the competition and follow up on the producers that participate. I consider myself as a leader of the coffee industry in Nicaragua with very good knowledge and contacts in Central America who can contribute to bring cuppers, producers, millers, and exporters together under a regional umbrella to commit in the development of Cup of Excellence and strengthening the must valuable network we have created.

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