CHARGÉ PARTICIPATES IN CUP OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS CEREMONY

Chargé Creamer presents an award to one of the winners of the Cup of Excellence competition.

On October 9th in Bolivia’s Caranavi region, Charge d’Affaires John S. Creamer, along with coffee producers and local officials, participated in an awards ceremony for the USAID-supported Cup of Excellence international coffee competition.

During the event, an international jury “cupped” 117 out of 227 coffee samples, all of which were produced by local growers seeking to improve the quality of their coffee.  Thirty of the selected competitors received the “Cup of Excellence” Award for their quality and will participate in an international internet auction to be held next month.

Chargé d’Affaires John S. Creamer and Mrs. Creamer receive advice on “cupping” from one of the Cup of Excellence national jury members.

The competition is part of USAID’s assistance through the Integrated Alternative Development Program, aimed at expanding economic opportunities for sustainable income growth in coca-growing areas. In 2008, the results from the Cup of Excellence were reflected in total sales (both direct and indirect) of more than $800,000. It is expected that this success will be replicated or exceeded in 2009. National media provided positive coverage of the event.