Last Friday 7th March, we had the privilege of hosting a special International Women's Day celebration focusing on the incredible contributions women make to the coffee industry. Our St Peters Espresso Bar transformed into a vibrant hub of coffee appreciation with a fantastic turnout of 20 participants gathering in our studio space.
An Evening of Discovery and Appreciation
The event featured a carefully curated coffee cupping experience showcasing exceptional coffees with some produced by women growers and women-led cooperatives from Kenya. Our guests, ranging from coffee enthusiasts to curious newcomers, embarked on a sensory journey guided by our passionate team.
The air was filled with excitement as participants learned to identify unique aromas, observe the blooming process, break the crust, and taste the distinctive flavour profiles of each coffee. The room buzzed with discussion as notes of chocolate, berries, citrus, and even some seaweed undertones were discovered and shared.
Our Amazing Sponsors
We were honoured to have two incredible sponsors supporting this celebration:
Nyokabi Kuguru from Mount Kenya Coffee provided extraordinary beans from women-led cooperatives in Kenya, showcasing the remarkable work being done by female farmers in this renowned coffee growing region. Their commitment to ethical sourcing and supporting women producers perfectly aligned with the spirit of our event.
Aaron from Froff Australian Almond Milk complemented our evening with beautifully presented bottles of locally produced plant-based almond milk alternative. Their sustainable approach and dedication to quality made them an ideal partner for this celebration.
Women in the Coffee Industry
Throughout the evening, we shared stories of the women behind each cup, from the farmers who nurture the plants to the processors who ensure quality control. We discussed how, despite coffee production often being viewed as male-dominated, women have always been integral to the industry:
- Women manage small coffee farms worldwide
- Up to 70% (in some countries 80%) of women frequently lead sorting and quality control at processing stations
- Increasingly, women are taking leadership roles in cooperatives
- Female cuppers and roasters bring unique perspectives to flavour development
Community Connection
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the evening was watching connections form over shared coffee cupping experience. Conversations flowed as freely as the coffee, with participants exchanging perspectives and building a sense of community around our shared appreciation for quality coffee and the women who make it possible.
Each participant left with a 150g bag of our specialty South Central blend and, more importantly, a deeper understanding of the crucial role women play in creating the coffees we enjoy every day.
Looking Forward
This International Women's Day event was more than a celebration, it was a commitment to continue supporting women in coffee through our sourcing practices and educational events. We believe that by highlighting the extraordinary work of women in the coffee industry, we contribute to greater gender equity throughout the supply chain.
We're already looking forward to next year's event and continuing to share the stories of remarkable women in coffee with our community.