SPRINGFIELD, IL, USA – The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) is pleased to announce the addition of South Korea as the 29th chapter in their global chapter network. IWCA chapters operate as independent organizations guided by the unique needs of their communities and globally united by the shared mission to empower women across the global coffee industry.
South Korea is the fifth consuming country to join the IWCA network, and its membership represents baristas, traders, and a variety of other industry roles. Chapter leadership has identified the following strategic objectives to guide their efforts:
- Bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
- Support women farmers and increase awareness of women’s rights in the coffee market.
- Facilitate employment opportunities for women working in the local coffee industry.
“Although Korea is a latecomer to the specialty coffee market, it has achieved dramatic quantitative growth and ranked 12th in world coffee consumption. However, there are not enough people who understand the coffee industry. The Korean chapter will play a key role as a leader of sustainability as an emerging powerhouse of coffee consumption, be the bridge between producers and consumers to cultivate empathy and understanding, and also serve as an advocate to promote the k-coffee culture within the industry;” said IWCA South Korea President, Sarah Kim.
Dr. Sarada Krishnan, IWCA Executive Director, is excited to welcome this new chapter and looks forward to the valuable opportunities that will be created for local coffee communities, saying “I am thrilled to welcome South Korea as the 29th chapter to our global IWCA network. South Korea will be our fifth consuming country chapter, expanding market access for our producer members. I wish our South Korean chapter leaders much success in executing their vision.”
About International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)
Founded in 2003, the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) is a US-based 501c3 nonprofit with the mission is to empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry. As a global network, the IWCA achieves empowerment through leadership development, strategic partnership, and amplified market visibility. www.womenincoffee.org
