ECX Specialty Coffee Event 2009

The much anticipated ECX event, termed "ECX Specialty Coffee Event 2009" opened at 9 O'clock local time on October 21, 2009 (October 20, at 11:00 p.m. Pacific time) at the luxurious Sheraton Addis, in the capital city of Ethiopia.

According to the program of activities flyer obtained today, the event lasts for four days (Oct 21-24) and includes speeches; plenary discussions; sessions to hear and discuss the findings of the ECX-SCAA Working Group; and visits to ECX trading floor, coffee washing stations, the coffee growing region of Yirgachefe, where ECX inaugurates a regional laboratory located in Dilla, and more.

"The purpose of our Event is to highlight how we at ECX think Ethiopia’s producers, traders, and export community can work best with our international buyers to offer our best to the global market," reads ECX's invitation to the attendees.

The most valued guests of the event are members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). Ric Rhinehart, President of the SCAA is one of the speakers at the opening ceremony whereas Tefera Deribew, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, delivers the keynote speech.

Analysis of the findings of the Working Group and the outcome of this highly confidential event will be made public soon.