MELBOURNE – Organisers of the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE), taking place from 15 – 18 May at the Melbourne Showgrounds, announced today that Coffee Kids is its Official Charity Partner for 2014.
This is the second year MICE has partnered with Coffee Kids, last year raising over $40,000 for the international charity that supports coffee growing communities throughout Latin America.
“Australia’s coffee industry has become a beacon for the region, and as a result MICE has quickly risen as a major event on the international coffee calendar. With this success, we think it’s important to redirect some of that attention – and resources – back to the coffee growing families who are the backbone of the industry,” says MICE Show Director Clint Hendry.
Money from last year’s efforts went largely to Coffee Kids ‘Grow It Forward’ campaign, supporting food security projects. This year, money will help support skill building projects to ensure the sustainability of the coffee supply chain. “Throughout the coffee-growing communities where we work, a lack of training and experience, as well as a lack of access to resources, present significant challenges to achieving a better quality of life,” says Rebecca Singer, Executive Director of Coffee Kids.
“Thanks to MICE’s investment in skill building in areas such as financial planning and management, Coffee Kids and our partner organisations will establish the foundations for a brighter future for hundreds, if not thousands, of coffee-farming families.”
MICE will host an invitational charity dinner and silent auction that will be held during the expo. Fundraising efforts began this past October, at the Official MICE Launch in the form of the ‘Tough Barista’ competition.
To celebrate three international competitions – Latte Art, Cup Tasting, and Coffee in Good Spirits – coming to Melbourne, organisers held a tongue-in-cheek coffee obstacle course, and raised over $5000 on the night from team entry fees that went direct to Coffee Kids.
For 2014, MICE will sponsor Coffee Kids to travel to Australia and attend the expo, facilitate introductions to regional coffee leaders, and provide complimentary space at the event. MICE announced at the beginning of January that floor space was officially sold out, although organisers are looking at ways to make more space available.
MICE is the largest dedicated coffee event in Australia, bringing together members of the trade and the coffee loving public to celebrate the region’s industry and see the latest developments on the market.
In addition to hosting three World Coffee Events competitions, MICE2014 will also host the AASCA Australia Barista Championships.
About Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE2014)
The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) is Australia’s largest dedicated coffee event. In 2013, the event welcomed over 150 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors, featuring the latest developments in the coffee industry. MICE will take place from 15 – 18 May 2014 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
The 2014 event will host the Australian Specialty Coffee Championships, The World Latte Art Championship, and the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship.
For more information visit www.internationalcoffeeexpo.com.
About Coffee Kids
Coffee Kids is an international organisation that works with organisations in coffee-farming communities throughout Latin America to create projects in the areas of education, health care, economic diversification, food security and capacity building.
These efforts allow coffee farmers to reduce their dependence of the volatile coffee market and confront their communities most pressing needs. For more information visit www.coffeekids.org.
About Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA)
Founded in 2001 by a group of passionate coffee professionals, the Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA) gives the specialty coffee industry in Australia a voice.
AASCA is a not-for-profit, whole-of-industry association with Australia-wide coverage, registered under federal legislation.
The association has over 10 categories of membership and is open to anyone who is interested in specialty coffee. www.aasca.com
About World Latte Art Championship (WLAC)
The World Latte Art Championship highlights artistic expression in a competition platform that challenges the barista in an on-demand performance.
Classic milk and espresso drinks are topped with designs of the barista’s creation, with emphasis on taste, replication, and creativity. www.worldlatteart.org.
