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Producer Roaster Forum

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PRF and Ally Coffee partner on four-event sponsorship

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged

At its heart, PRF is all about connecting the heroes of our industry – coffee producers – with the companies that distribute their crop to coffee lovers around the world. 

That’s why we’re thrilled to work with Ally Coffee, our Official Bronze Sponsor for PRF El Salvador. What’s more, Ally has signed on as a partner for four PRF events in total, meaning it’ll be present at PRF Colombia as the Official Bronze Sponsor later this year – and beyond.

Ally Coffee is a specialty green coffee importer with a global scope, operating out of Germany, Dubai, Costa Rica, Colombia, the US, Sweden, and Switzerland. Its representatives reach even further, working with a diverse range of producers and roasters in producing and consuming countries.

The company is looking forward to welcoming thousands of attendees to the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador on March 16 & 17. Let’s take a look at what this incredible long-term partnership brings to the table.

Ally Coffee, green coffee importer, renews sponsorship for 4 more events. Meet them at PRF El Salvador.

A green coffee network that’s always expanding

Since our last PRF event in Colombia in 2022, Ally Coffee has continued to grow, expanding into the Oceania & Asia region. For producers attending PRF El Salvador, that means wider access to roasters in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore – with more markets to come.

Stephanie Calato is Marketing Manager at Ally Coffee. She says that the company’s main purpose is to open up opportunities that move coffee forward.

“Through this purpose – as a connection between producers and roasters – we aim to build and foster relationships across producing and consuming countries to drive the industry forward,” she explains.

“Our ambition is to continue to build Ally Coffee on foundations of shared value and mutual reward and make coffee a global model for business.”

Ally also recently shared the Sustainability Policy of Grupo Montesanto Tavares (GMT), its parent company, along with its first Sustainability Report as a group. Stephanie adds that this has helped it to formalize the commitments that have always guided its sustainability activities.

“This policy is a re-enforcement of our actions throughout the supply chain with an emphasis on coffee producing countries and our partners at origin.”

Last year, it also hosted its first Champions Trip since 2019, taking coffee professionals from one end of the supply chain to the other and visiting producing partners in Brazil. 

“These trips allow us to bring the ends of the supply chain closer together, to create connections, and continue fostering inspiration and education within the specialty coffee industry,” Stephanie says.

Ally Coffee will be abronze sponsor at prf el salvador and prf colombia in 2023.

Ally Coffee at PRF El Salvador

As our Official Bronze Sponsor, Ally Coffee will be on hand at PRF El Salvador to catalyze connections between Central American coffee producers and potential partners in roasting and green coffee trading.

Naturally, Ally itself is an incredible partner for producers around the world. Stephanie hopes that the company’s extensive experience will be a perfect fit for the event.

“We’ve believed in the vision of Producer & Roaster Forum from the start, and are proud to continue sponsoring and supporting the space it provides to coffee professionals who can gain new insights and learn from each other,” she explains.

It’s this belief that has convinced Ally of PRF’s potential as a globally recognized coffee industry event. That’s why it’s partnered with us for the next four PRF events, including two this year: PRF El Salvador and PRF Colombia.

“PRF gives those in coffee an opportunity to gather together, share ideas, develop relationships, and discover ways to advance our industry.”

These gatherings will take place through lectures and panel discussions, around coffee cupping tables, and at the intimate workshops we’ll be hosting for our attendees.

Ally Coffee partners for four more years with prf el salvador.

PRF El Salvador is now just days away, and we can’t wait to welcome Central American coffee producers and other professionals from around the world. 

“We’re very excited to be part of the upcoming PRF in El Salvador, and look forward to seeing new and familiar faces,” Stephanie agrees.

For more information on Ally Coffee and the work it does to create a sustainable future for coffee, visit the official website here.

Tickets for PRF El Salvador are still on sale. Visit our ticketing page here to secure your place ahead of the two-day forum, which takes place on 16 & 17 March 2023.

To learn more about PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here, sign up for our newsletter here, or reach out to our team at this email address.

Get ready for the PRF El Salvador coffee competitions

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged ,

In just a few days, PRF El Salvador will host four epic coffee competitions at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador. 

We’ve partnered with Café de El Salvador to host the 2023 El Salvador National Barista Championship and the National Brewers Championship at the two-day forum.

We’re also incredibly excited for the return of the Toddy Cold Brew Championship, and this year also marks the first time PRF will host the Global Roasting Contest – the first event of its kind to be held in Central America.

Let’s take a look at each competition and what you can expect to witness live at our forum.

Coffee competitions PRF El Salvador Dale Harris

El Salvador’s national championships

PRF El Salvador will be the first PRF event ever to host official national coffee competitions. The El Salvador National Barista Championship and National Brewers Championship will both take place from March 16 to 17, with the winners going on to represent El Salvador at the World Coffee Championships in Athens, Greece later this year.

Café de El Salvador (operated by Consejo Salvadoreño del Café, CSC) will run both competitions and all PRF attendees will be able to watch contestants face-off live. 

Competitors will also benefit from the mentorship of two renowned PRF El Salvador speakers: Sam Corra, Director of Coffee at ONA Coffee in Australia and Dale Harris, COO of Hasbean and Ozone Coffee Roasters in the UK.

Sam is the 2017 Australian Brewers Cup Champion and Dale was crowned the World Barista Champion in the same year. Both coffee professionals will be on hand the day before the competitions to share their knowledge and experience with Salvadoran baristas.

For more information on the coffee competitions, visit the official Café de El Salvador Facebook page here.

Toddy Cold Brew Championship

Our Official Cold Brew Sponsor, Toddy, will once again host the fiercely-fought Cold Brew Championship at PRF El Salvador. Company President, Julia Leach, calls the event a contest for those who love demonstrating just how exciting cold brew can be.

On day one, competitors will complete the brewing process – using Toddy’s Cold Brew Cupping Kit – under the watchful eye of a technical judge. On day two, they’ll present their drink in three formats:

  • Pure concentrate; minimum 30ml
  • Diluted concentrate; minimum 30ml; ratio at competitor’s discretion
  • Designer non-alcoholic drink; must contain competitor’s concentrate

The top three competitors – two runners-up and one overall winner – will walk away with prizes provided by Toddy.

Prizes are yet to be confirmed, but last year, they included the Toddy Cold Brew System, Toddy Timer, a Toddy Tumbler, and the Toddy Cold Brew Cupping Kit.

For more information on the Toddy Cold Brew Championship, see here. 

PRF EL Salvador Coffee competitions aillio bullet roaster

The inaugural Global Roasting Contest

PRF is about connecting coffee producers with potential business partners – including coffee roasters. That’s why we’ve initiated an entirely new coffee competition at PRF El Salvador: the Global Roasting Contest.

This accessible, high-profile coffee roasting competition will involve a number of different international coffee roasting professionals, all working with the same coffee and equipment to create their best work.

Our Official Roasting Sponsor, !FEST Coffee Mission, will supply all the high-quality specialty green coffee used at the event, as well as one of the two Aillio Bullet roasters earmarked for competitors.As a matter of fact, the winner of the Global Roasting Contest will win an Aillio Bullet Roaster R1 V2!

As with the El Salvador national championships, competitors will benefit from an experienced mentor. Eduardo Choza, Director of Coffee at PRF Diamond Sponsor Mayorga Coffee, will offer advice and insights at the event.

For more information about the Global Roasting Contest, see here.

Prf el salvador coffee competitions

Stay in sync with all the latest updates by signing up to our newsletter, following PRF El Salvador on social media, or reading the latest news here.

Here’s our final speaker lineup for PRF El Salvador

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged ,

With just nine days to go until we celebrate Central American coffee at PRF El Salvador, we’re ready to share our final lineup of speakers and panelists. These world-renowned coffee experts are thought leaders in their respective fields, and we can’t wait to hear them pour out their knowledge and insights on our stage.

Lecture themes will include the various challenges and opportunities facing Salvadoran coffee producers and the industry as a whole, as well as discussions around trending topics and the future of coffee.

Here’s a breakdown of the finalized lecture and panel discussion program.

Speaker PRF el salvador Sara corrales

Who’s joined the lineup since we last updated it?

The sixth edition of PRF runs from March 16 to 17 in El Salvador, the country where our first PRF was held. A crucial component of the two-day forum is our meticulously curated lineup of lectures and panel discussions, alongside various workshops, exhibitions, and cupping sessions.

Here are all the updates to our lecture program:

Lectures

Circular Economy: Implementing scalable coffee packaging solutions

Speaker: Mark Zhou (MTPak, China)

Curating green coffee: Matching production with consumption

Speaker: Bram De Hoog (Ally Coffee, Netherlands)

Speaker PRF el salvador Wilton Benitez lecture

The full lineup

Here’s our full PRF El Salvador lecture and panel discussion lineup in all its glory:

Lectures

Creating a pathway for selling ultra-premium coffees

Speaker: José Guzman (Kofra Specialty Coffee Roasters, UK)

Micro to macro: how to scale a specialty roastery

Speaker: Rodrigo Jaeger (Café Señor K, Chile)

What are the purchasing priorities of Chinese roasters?

Speaker: Lewis Harding (Coffee Exchange, China)

Exotic processing: leveraging biochemistry to produce experimental coffees

Speaker: Wilton Benitez (Varietales Finos SAS, Colombia)

Key steps for managing quality control

Speaker: Dulce Barrera (Bella Vista Coffee, Guatemala)

Addressing the north-south divide in the coffee supply chain

Speaker: Sam Corra (Ona Coffee, Australia)

It’s time to change the standards for how we market and sell coffee

Speaker: Martin Mayorga (Mayorga Coffee, USA)

How can El Salvador differentiate itself from other origins and sell more coffee in the UK?

Speaker: Dale Harris (Hasbean, UK)

The evolving coffee market in the US

Speaker: Matt Swenson (Nestlé, USA)

Coffee prices: what happened in 2022 and what can be expected in 2023?

Speaker: Albert Scalla (StoneX, USA)

More than a market trend: why cold brew cup quality matters

Speaker: Julia Leach (Toddy, USA)

A roaster’s guide to entering the Eastern European market

Speaker: Zoran Stanojevic (Kafeterija, Serbia)

How direct relationships lead to improved quality

Speaker: Eduardo Choza (Mayorga Coffee, USA)

How to translate a profile from sample to production roast

Speaker: Ola Brattås (Kaffebrenneriet AS, Norway)

Reviewing the challenges facing roasters who trade directly with producers

Speaker: Mohamad Merhi (Cypher Urban Roasters, UAE)

Entrepreneurship in the coffee sector: bringing young people into the industry

Speaker: Luis Eduardo López (Varietales Finos & Granja Paraíso 92, Colombia)

Speaker PRF el salvador Bogdan PRunila

Panel discussions

Scaling specialty coffee consumption through relationships with fast food chains

Lead panelist: Edgar Cabrera (Thrive Farmers, Guatemala)

Guests: Kenneth Lander (Thrive Farmers, Costa Rica)

Courtney Stewart (Chick-fil-A, USA)*

What is a buyer looking for? How can you add value to both yourself and the buyer?

Lead panelist: Gabriela Flores (Belco, El Salvador)*

Guests: Jordan Montgomery (Fjord Coffee, Germany)

Dario Scilipoti* (Bluebird Coffee Roasters, South Africa)

How can roasters add more value for producers?

Lead panelist: Jeffrey Chean (Groundwork Coffee, USA)

Guests: Adam Kline (Coffee Unified, Inc., USA)

Sarra Corrales* (Finca Los Pinos, Nicaragua)

How can we make specialty coffee less elitist?

Lead panelist: Jonathan Moral (Café de Finca, Spain)

Guests: Ingrid Olivo ( Finca Montagu, El Salvador)*

Rodrigo Giammattei (Café Caté, El Salvador)

Winning the World Barista Championship

Lead panelist: Federico Bolaños (Alquimia Coffee, El Salvador)

Guests: Carlos Pola (Finca San Antonio & Las Brisas, El Salvador)

Alejandro Méndez (2011 WBC Champion, 4 Monkeys Coffee Roasters, El Salvador)

How to connect with the Saudi green buyer

Lead panelist: Osamah Alawwam (Roasting House, Saudi Arabia)

Guests: Yousef Alzayer (Leanitai Coffee, Saudi Arabia)

Miguel Candel (Saudi Coffee, Saudi Arabia)

The role of women in the Salvadoran coffee sector

Lead panelist: María Pacas (Café Pacas, El Salvador)

Guests: María Elena Botto (International Women’s Coffee Association & Women’s Coffee Alliance of El Salvador, El Salvador)

Ana María Schmidt (Finca Montealegre, El Salvador)

Customizing coffee education and training for Central America

Lead panelist: Johanna de Rodríguez (Academia Barista Pro, El Salvador)

Guests: Jonathan Rodríguez (Academia Barista Pro, El Salvador) 

Carlos Guerra (Café San Rafael, Honduras)

Víctor Flores (Biscuit Factory, Honduras)*

Are we defining coffee quality incorrectly?

Lead panelist: Tony Dreyfuss (Metropolis Coffee, USA)

Guests: Nicole Battefeld-Montgomery (Rancilio Group DE, Germany)

Jorge Raúl Rivera* (Santa Rosa, El Salvador)

Reviewing Middle Eastern specialty coffee trends

Lead panelist: Mostafa El-Saiid (Al Fayrouz, Egypt)

Guests: Anthony Bedoyan (Golden Goose, UAE)

Bogdan Prunila* (Crown Muscat, Oman)

* New guests added since previous update

Speaker lineup PRF el salvador conferencias

Tickets for PRF El Salvador are on sale now. Visit our ticketing page here to secure your place ahead of the two-day forum, which takes place on 16 & 17 March 2023.

Several PRF El Salvador workshops and cupping sessions have also been announced – make sure you register to guarantee your place at these limited-capacity events.

To learn more about PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here, sign up for our newsletter here, or reach out to our team at this email address.

Eduardo Choza to mentor competitors at the Global Roasting Contest

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

In just a few days’ time, PRF El Salvador will host the inaugural Global Roasting Contest at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador.

It’s the first roasting competition of its kind to take place in Central America. Our Official Roasting Sponsor, !FEST Coffee Mission, will supply all the high-quality specialty green coffee used at the event, as well as one of the two Aillio Bullet roasters earmarked for competitors.

Additionally, we’re proud to announce that Eduardo Choza, Director of Coffee at PRF Diamond Sponsor Mayorga Coffee, will offer advice and mentorship to Global Roasting Contest participants.

Eduardo is a certified Q arabica grader and is eager to share his experience and insight at the event. Read on to learn more about his role.

Eduardo Choza mentoring Global Roasting Contest at PRF El Salvador

A truly global competition – at origin

Julio Guevara, Director of Producer & Roaster Forum, explains that he’s incredibly excited to have a skilled, Latin American coffee professional like Eduardo present at PRF El Salvador.

“This shows how competitions like these have the potential to showcase excellence in Latin American coffee,” he says. “Not only that, but it’s proof that events like PRF can unite producers and roasters together in different formats.”

Eduardo himself explains that any global coffee competition should have both mentors and judges from all over the world.

“For me, representation is important,” he says. “It’s good for the competitors to have someone they can exchange ideas with who speaks their language and shares a cultural connection.”

He adds that there’s a lot of gatekeeping that takes place in the specialty coffee sector. And, if our collective goal is to grow the industry and use best practices, he believes that this has to change.

At the same time, Eduardo is excited about the prospect of an accessible, high-profile coffee roasting competition taking place in a producing country.

“Showcasing coffee competitions in coffee producing countries is essential,” he elaborates.  “There are many talented coffee people in the global coffee community we have yet to hear about. I think making competitions accessible and affordable is the key and can have a lasting impact in the world of coffee.”

Aillio bullet roaster at Global Roasting Contest PRF El Salvador

Bringing the best out of competitors

Eduardo shares PRF’s vision for creating meaningful, lasting connections between coffee professionals. As such, he plans to dedicate a portion of his time at our two-day forum to coach Global Roasting Contest participants.

“I would like for the competitors to create a network of people in their field who they can reach out to for advice, ideas, innovation, and inspiration,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to working with the roasting competitors in a guidance and mentorship role and will be blindly judging their coffees.”

Participants from all over the world will comment at the Global Roasting Contest PRF El salvador

The Global Roasting Contest will involve a number of different international coffee roasting professionals, all working with the same coffee and equipment to create their best work. The competition will take place on 16 and 17 March 2023, with all coffees roasted on day one and judged on day two.

The sample with the most votes will be announced at 17:00 local time on 17 March 2023. The winner will receive an Aillio Bullet Roaster R1 V2. For more information on the Global Roasting Contest, visit this page. 

Please carefully review our terms & conditions and code of conduct prior to attending PRF El Salvador. If you have any further questions, feel free to email the PRF Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com. 

See you in San Salvador!

Important reminders for PRF El Salvador

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

It may seem crazy, but we’re now counting down the days to PRF El Salvador. The two-day forum will take place at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador on March 16 & 17, bridging the gap between local specialty coffee producers and coffee professionals from around the world.

Before we get too carried away, there are a few things we need to clear up before attendees arrive in San Salvador. We’ve put together a useful list of need-to-know information that you can use to ensure you’re 100% ready to take part in the Central American coffee industry event of the decade.

Let’s take a look at the event details, ticket requirements, and more.

Lady drinking coffee prf el salvador

Event details

As you begin to finalize your travel plans, it’s important to keep the following details in mind:

Tickets & registration

  • All tickets must be purchased online 
  • If you have free tickets(volunteers, exhibitors, scholars) you need to redeem your ticket through the website
  • Tickets are non-transferable. 
  • Your unique QR code (generated upon ticket purchase) serves as your ticket for registration. 
  • Registration opens at 8am on March 16th, 2023.
  • Scan your QR code at the Salamanca entrance, then pick your badge in the PRF Booth located in Exhibition Hall.

Badges

  • Your badge is the only way of accessing the event. Lost badges can be reprinted on site for a fee of US$25. 
  • Each attendee will need to pick up their own badge in person; company representatives cannot register/pick up multiple badges for their staff.

This may all seem like common sense, but it’s essential that you adhere to these requirements to ensure you have the best possible experience at PRF El Salvador.

Please note that children under the age of 12 (including infants) are not permitted to attend PRF El Salvador.

Get hyped for the beautiful city of San Salvador

During your time in El Salvador’s capital city, you can expect to be wowed by its rich history, stunning architecture, and the sheer kindness of its 1,600,000 hospitable citizens.

Where to stay

If you haven’t yet booked your accommodation, check out our list of recommended 4 star and 5 star hotels here. Remember that Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Sheraton Presidente, and Hyatt Centric are offering special discounted rates for PRF attendees. These hotels will also include transport services from the hotel to Salamanca convention Center on the days of the event.

What to eat

San Salvador is also renowned for its vibrant food scene, so be sure to check out our favorite spots: 

You’d be crazy to pass up an opportunity to indulge in papusas, the country’s national dish, which is a thick, hearty flatbread typically stuffed with cheese, refried beans, or fried pork belly – known locally as chicharrón. Papusas are sold by street vendors all over the city, so you’ll never go hungry while exploring its sights and sounds!

Specialty coffee galore

Let’s not forget why we’re all here – El Salvador produces some of the finest specialty coffee in the world, and its specialty coffee shop scene is thriving. Here are some of our favorite spots in San Salvador:

For a full list of our coffee shop recommendations in El Salvador, visit this page.

registration prf el salvador

Stay in sync with all the latest updates by signing up to our newsletter, following PRF El Salvador on social media, or reading the latest news here.

Last, but not least, please carefully review our terms & conditions and code of conduct prior to attending PRF El Salvador. If you have any further questions, feel free to email the PRF Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com. 

See you in San Salvador – soon!

Meet UNEX, El Salvador’s largest coffee sourcer and a host sponsor at our Sourcing Trip Experience

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged ,

Roasters, listen up! We’re pleased to announce that UNEX, the largest coffee sourcer, miller, and exporter in El Salvador, will be welcoming coffee professionals to its farms as an Official Sourcing Trip Experience Host Sponsor.

Since 1992, UNEX has continued the De Sola Group’s vision for transparency and innovation, having joined forces with four other coffee producing families to expand its reach to more than 4,000 farmers. Today, it’s a company strongly committed to improving the sustainability of El Salvador’s coffee supply chain.

Let’s take a closer look at the company and how it will engage with Sourcing Trip Experience attendees.

Unex Host sponsor PRF El Salvador

Transforming the Salvadoran coffee sector

Since its foundation, UNEX has been the single largest exporter of Salvadoran coffee, making up around 20% of the total market share. 

Juan Francisco de Sola is the CEO of UNEX. He explains that more than anything, the company believes that to create a sustainable coffee industry, all players in the coffee supply chain – from farmers and millers to green coffee buyers and roasters – must perceive genuine value in producing coffee.

“More than a farm, a mill, or a good cupping of quality coffee, UNEX wants PRF visitors to understand and visualize a sustainable supply chain,” he explains. “UNEX exists to create value not only for the roasters that import Salvadoran coffee, but also the farmers, their respective communities, and the environment.”

He says that producers are the ones who take price and environmental risks, adding that roasters, especially, need to understand how hard it is for producers to be both productive and sustainable.

“The most valuable part is the relationship that needs to be created and fortified,” he continues. “The roaster must be able to import coffee that will satisfy its customers, and UNEX needs to source the coffee that will deliver on roaster consumer and demand and create the conditions in which farmers can be profitable.”

Coffee drying Unex PRF EL Salvador

What can STE attendees expect from UNEX?

STE attendees who meet up with UNEX will visit the company’s coffee mill and the following three farms:

  • Finca Plan del Hoyo
  • Finca El Carmen
  • Finca Nueva Granada

Finca Plan del Hoyo is owned by UNEX CEO Francisco de Sola and Finca El Carmen is owned by UNEX Director Alfredo Cristiani. Finca Nueva Granada is run by Edwin Donald Castro, a valuable member of the company’s small farmer supply chain.

These farms are scattered across three distinct coffee producing regions in El Salvador, and UNEX aims to demonstrate each location’s industrial processes while showcasing their exceptional coffees.

“El Salvador is unique from other coffee origins in that the producer and miller/exporter are either vertically integrated or directly connected through a direct sourcing transaction,” Juan Francisco explains. 

“There is no intermediation between the farmer and the exporter. This allows for a more direct and transparent relationship within the supply chain, which is essential for sustainability. It also allows for better and consistent quality for the roaster.”

coffee plantation unex prf el salvador

The Sourcing Trip Experience is meticulously curated to ensure that roasters from around the world are paired with leading Salvadoran specialty coffee producers.

Over the course of the experience, roasters will get the opportunity to speak with producers at length about Salvadoran coffee production, tour their farms and mills, and sample a range of different coffees.

“We are extremely excited about connecting roasters and traders from all over the world with the UNEX supply chain”, Juan Francisco concludes. “We wish to enlist roasters in what needs to be a joint effort in making farming coffee sustainable in El Salvador.”

Some example activities that you can expect during the STE include:

  • Farm tours, which will cover a range of different varieties and producer profiles
  • Tours of wet and dry mills, where participants will see optical sorting machinery, depulpers, fermentation tanks, and other key equipment in operation
  • Cupping sessions arranged directly with producers
  • Roundtable discussions on industry challenges from both producer and roaster perspectives
  • Networking opportunities with potential sourcing partners and roasters from around the world
  • Organized dinners with local specialities/dishes

If you’re interested in attending the Sourcing Trip Experience, buy a ticket here or email the STE Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com.

It’s time to get ready for PRF El Salvador!

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

That’s right – PRF El Salvador is now just weeks away, and our excitement levels are through the roof. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of coffee industry professionals to our celebration of Salvadoran specialty coffee on March 16 & 17 at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador.

The two-day forum is set to be packed with an impressive array of presentations and activities, including lectures, panel discussions, workshops, cupping sessions, and a world-class PRF Exhibition Floor.

Attendees can also expect to witness coffee professionals at the top of their game competing in several coffee competitions, including two SCA-sanctioned events that will serve as qualifiers for the World Coffee Championships.

Let’s take a look at the PRF El Salvador lineup and how you can prepare for the Central American coffee industry event of the decade.

Conferences at PRF COlombia

A wealth of educational opportunities

PRF events have always stood out from other industry trade shows with their curated lineups of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and cupping sessions. PRF El Salvador is no different.

One of PRF’s key aims for this event is to champion El Salvador as a knowledge center for specialty coffee in Central America. 

To achieve this, we’ve put together a lineup of industry-leading speakers from across the supply chain. This will also include a full roster of Spanish speakers, many of whom have extensive experience in coffee production.

Find out more about our confirmed lectures and panel discussions here.

Alongside these lectures and panel discussions, PRF El Salvador will also host hands-on workshops, and cupping experiences aimed at informing and engaging attendees.

Find out more about our confirmed PRF workshops and cupping sessions here.

Keep in mind that there are limited spots available for both workshops and cupping sessions. It’s absolutely vital that you register well ahead of time!

Dale Harris at PRF Colombia 2022

The stage is set for intense coffee competitions

We’re thrilled to welcome the Toddy Cold Brew Championship back to PRF in El Salvador. In this high-stakes brew-off, competitors face off over both days to create their best possible cold brew using Toddy’s Cold Brew Cupping Kit and filters. 

Read more about the competition here.

We’re also excited to announce the first edition of the PRF Roasting Championship, run in partnership with our Official Roasting Sponsor, !FEST Coffee Mission. The PRF El Salvador Roasting Championship will see competitors use Aillio Bullet roasters to showcase their skills.

It’s the first event of its kind in El Salvador, and you can read more about it here.

Last, but not least, PRF El Salvador will have the honor of hosting both the El Salvador National Barista Championship and Brewers Championship, made possible by our partnership with Café de El Salvador.

The winners of both events will go on to represent El Salvador at the World Coffee Championships later this year, marking this as an immense moment in PRF history. 

Competitors will also be mentored by 2017 World Barista Champion, Dale Harris, and 2017 Australian Brewers Cup Champion, Sam Corra. To learn more about these two incredible competitions, click here.

Guests PRF COlombia

At the end of the day, PRF El Salvador is simply going to be the best place for global coffee professionals – including roasters and green coffee buyers – to connect with Salvadoran producers and exporters.

PRF is all about nurturing and facilitating these connections. El Salvador has a burgeoning coffee industry, with thousands of producers cultivating some of the world’s best shade-grown coffee. 

It hasn’t historically been a major destination for industry events, but we’re changing that in a big way by promoting Salvadoran and Central American coffee on the international stage.

Please carefully review our terms & conditions and code of conduct prior to attending PRF El Salvador. If you have any further questions, feel free to email the PRF Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com. 

See you in San Salvador!

Roasters! Clock is tickin’ to secure the last spots at our Sourcing Trip Experience

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged ,

Our Sourcing Trip Experience is an integral part of our involvement with El Salvador’s specialty coffee industry. 

The three-day event takes place on various Salvadoran coffee farms immediately prior to PRF El Salvador, giving roasters and traders an unmissable chance to learn more about local coffee production and create new sourcing opportunities.

With just over a month to go before we embark on this journey, we’re sending out one final call to all roasters and green coffee traders to secure your STE ticket before it’s too late.

El Salvador is a rich and diverse coffee-producing country with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Our hosts are eager to connect with coffee buyers from around the world and engage in meaningful business relationships.

Let’s take a look at what the STE entails, where the various trips will take place, and how you can take full advantage of this exceptional coffee sourcing encounter. Trust us – you don’t want to miss out.

Sourcing Trip Experience, PRF El Salvador in coffee Farms PRF

What is the Sourcing Trip Experience?

Although the Sourcing Trip Experience is completely separate from the two-day PRF El Salvador forum, it shares a core mission: to facilitate genuine opportunities for roasters and traders to source amazing Salvadoran coffees. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with the coffee industry in a way that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.

The trip will take place at several renowned Salvadoran specialty coffee farms. There, attendees will be hosted by industry-leading producers in groups of up to 15.

Each STE includes the following:

  • Farm tours
  • Wet and dry mill tours
  • Cupping sessions
  • Roundtable discussions with coffee professionals who work in production, workshops, and other interactive activities
  • Networking opportunities with potential sourcing partners and other roasters
  • Warehouse visits
  • Sightseeing
  • Organized dinners featuring local cuisine

These activities will bring roasters and traders face-to-face with the people behind El Salvador’s specialty coffee, laying the foundations for long-term sourcing relationships which are mutually beneficial for both buyers and producers.

The journey doesn’t end there – after the STE, attendees will travel to San Salvador to attend the separate two-day forum. Remember: each STE ticket automatically entitles the attendee to access to PRF El Salvador.

You can learn more about the STE here.

Tecapa host sponsor Sourcing Trip Experience PRF El Salvador

Which Salvadoran producers are involved?

We’re proud to share that we’ve partnered with some of the best specialty coffee producers in the country to make our STE a possibility:

Sicafe

Since 1870, six generations of the Silva family have passed down their coffee-growing expertise, culminating in the successful company we see today. Sicafe is so successful, in fact, that it has won several Cup of Excellence awards in recent years.

Having attended the first PRF event in 2016 – which was also hosted in El Salvador – Head of Operations Rafa Silva says he’s looking forward to the wealth of knowledge that will be shared across both the STE and the two-day forum.

Divisadero Coffee

Described by owner Mauricio A. “Moe” Salavarría as “The Kingdom of Naturals”, Divisadero Coffee has pioneered, improved, and ultimately perfected natural coffee processing in El Salvador across five generations.

“[By visiting our farms,] roasters can gain firsthand knowledge on just how difficult it really is to produce, process, and export these beautiful micro lots of specialty coffee,” he says.

Los Pirineos

Over the course of 130 years, Los Pirineos has become globally renowned for its excellent specialty coffees. It’s currently run by fifth-generation producer Diego Baraona, who took over following his father’s passing in 2020.

Throughout his career, the late Gilberto Baraona was dedicated to uplifting smallholder coffee producers and promoting the cultivation of high-quality coffees all over the globe. Overall, the farm has won more than 20 Cup of Excellence awards in the last 12 years, making it a world leader in high-quality specialty coffee production.

UNEX

UNEX is the single largest coffee sourcer, miller, and exporter in El Salvador, sourcing from more than 4,000 producers of all sizes. The company believes that El Salvador is a unique origin that celebrates direct trade, transparency, and sustainability.

Since 1992, UNEX has worked to make roasters aware of the challenges faced by producers at origin. STE attendees will have the opportunity to experience this first-hand when they visit the company’s coffee mill and three local farms: Finca Plan del Hoyo, Finca el Carmen, and Finca Nueva Granada.

“More than a farm, a mill, or a good cupping of quality coffee, UNEX wants PRF visitors to understand and visualize a sustainable supply chain,” the company explains. “A sustainable supply chain in coffee requires the exporter, the roaster, and more importantly the farmer to perceive value in producing coffee.”

Sicafe Sourcing Trip Experience El Salvador host sponsor

With this much to look forward to, we simply can’t wait to welcome roasters and traders to this year’s Sourcing Trip Experience in El Salvador. If you’re still on the fence, consider the following benefits you’ll receive:

  • The chance to learn more about new farming techniques, varieties, and more changes taking place in Salvadoran coffee production
  • Opportunities for market research and learning more about other consuming markets
  • Learning more about how markets are developing in coffee producing countries
  • More insight into how other roasters and buyers operate, and how you can change your strategy to source or operate more effectively
  • Learning more about emerging trends in coffee production in El Salvador and beyond
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Networking with global coffee professionals and brands

If you’re interested in attending the Sourcing Trip Experience, book your experience here or email the STE Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com.

Sam Corra and Dale Harris to mentor National Championship competitors at PRF El Salvador

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

We recently announced that for the first time ever, PRF will host officially-sanctioned national coffee competitions that lead to the World Coffee Championships. 

That means our newest partner, Café de El Salvador, will host both the El Salvador National Barista Championship and the National Brewers Championship at PRF El Salvador from March 16-17.

In an incredible act of fellowship and support, two of our prominent PRF El Salvador speakers have offered to guide and mentor the Championship competitors the day before the events.

Both Sam Corra, Director of Coffee at ONA Coffee in Australia and Dale Harris, COO of Hasbean and Ozone Coffee Roasters in the UK will share their knowledge and experience with Salvadoran baristas to help them prepare for these exciting challenges.

Read on to learn more about their contribution and why they’ve chosen to get involved.

Sam Corra, Director of Coffee at ONA Coffee in Australia and Dale Harris, COO of Hasbean and Ozone Coffee Roasters in the UK will share their knowledge for the National Championship competitors PRF El Salvador.

Bringing genuine experience to the table

Both these mentors have had their fair share of experience in major coffee competitions. In 2017, Sam became the Australian Brewers Cup Champion, while Dale was crowned the 2017 World Barista Champion. 

Since then, both professionals have delved deeper into the coffee industry, influencing many would-be Championship competitors along the way.

“I have come to realize that I have been privileged with exposure and access to resources that aided not only my own world competition in 2017, but also shaped me to be a better coach and to assist all the competitors I have been lucky enough to work with in my coffee career on a regional, national, and world level,” Sam explains.

He emphasizes that these competitions are about “so much more” than mere talent and a passion for coffee. As such, he’s volunteering his time to give El Salvador National Barista Championship and National Brewers Championship competitors insider knowledge that they might not otherwise have access to.

“Resources, access to knowledge, mentorship and the team behind a competitor often play such a huge role in their ability to achieve success,” he says. “We are playing a game and insider knowledge of what format works is paramount.”

He also believes that assisting those furthest from this “insider bubble” creates a better competitive standard in producing countries. Ultimately, this creates the possibility of seeing new champions who “just need the right tools and resources for them to reach their true potential”.

Sam witnessed this first-hand with two previous World Barista Champions: Agnieska Rojewska and Matt Winton. However, he says that for more independent Championship competitors to succeed, financing can no longer “be an anchor stopping us from seeing the next inspiration in our industry”.

“Look at Martin Shabaya in 2021, who came fifth in [WBC Milan 2021],” he continues. “Having that platform and exposure creates a strong pillar of inspiration and aspiration for future baristas. Seeing that they can also succeed is the positive reinforcement we as an industry need to try and provide.”

Sam Corra to mentor National Championship competitors at PRF El Salvador.

Standing up for Latin American coffee

Sam also believes that by elevating coffee competitions in producing countries, we’re “closing the loop” in the coffee supply chain. Specifically, he feels that the industry can only collectively push for excellence when everyone in the supply chain is included.

“To better understand excellence in coffees, it’s amazing for producers and people in producing countries to also have the understanding and ability of how coffees from their own countries are being prepared and utilized to get the most optimal expression,” he says. 

That’s why he’ll be on hand to offer his direct support to competitors at PRF El Salvador. Although he’s still figuring out exactly how he’ll be helping, some early ideas include a short workshop on brewing theory and water and dialing-in open-service coffees backstage.

And, although his specialty is Brewers Cup, he’ll assist Dale wherever he can with barista competitors, too.

“I’d love to especially work with the brewers and baristas in first making sure their coffees are roasted to a standard that showcases honest expressions of the coffee they have chosen,” he adds. “I’ll have my Nucleus LINK roaster unit with me, so if anyone wants help in that area, I will happily help where I can.”

Dale Harris to mentor National Championship competitors PRF El SAlvador

We can’t wait to witness the El Salvador National Barista Championship and Brewers Championship at our very own event. PRF El Salvador will take place from March 16-17 at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador. Visit our ticketing page here to secure your place ahead of the two-day forum.

We’re also grateful for the opportunity to host these competitions in partnership with Café de El Salvador, our Official Partner at PRF El Salvador. 

To learn more about PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here, sign up for our newsletter here, or reach out to our team at this email address.

Over 100 Mayorga Scholarship applicants have been selected – are you next?

By LauraPosted on Posted in Announcements, NewsTagged ,

The wait is over – we’re pleased to announce that over a hundred Mayorga Scholarship applicants have been selected to attend PRF El Salvador this year! Successful applicants will receive a free ticket to PRF El Salvador.

Given that PRF El Salvador is an event built around producers in Latin America, we’re thrilled that young coffee farmers from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia have accepted our invitation to attend Central America’s coffee industry event of the decade.

There are still scholarships that have yet to be awarded. That means that if you apply now, you still stand a chance to be an official Mayorga Scholar at PRF El Salvador. Read on to learn more about the scholarship and how to apply.

Coffee farmer Mayorga Scholarship

What is the Mayorga Scholarship?

Mayorga Coffee has partnered with PRF since 2019, providing 500 smallholder coffee farmers with free access to our events. This commitment has recently been reaffirmed with Mayorga Coffee investing in a three-year, multi-event sponsorship deal with PRF.

Through this sponsorship, Mayorga Coffee aims to champion Latin America as a coffee industry knowledge center; empowering the producers who make it all possible is key.

Successful scholarship applicants receive a free ticket to attend the two-day forum at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador, giving them full access to the event’s incredible lineup of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, cupping sessions, and exhibits.

This is more than just a day out at a tradeshow – it’s a rare, unfiltered opportunity to network with coffee traders, roasters, and other professionals from around the world, driving green coffee sales in producing countries – PRF’s ultimate goal.

Founder and owner of Mayorga Coffee, Martin Mayorga, maintains that marginalized members of the coffee supply chain must be brought to the discussion table – not just because they are often overlooked, but because they have so much knowledge to share with the rest of the industry.

“The coffee industry needs to do more than talk,” he explains. “It needs to engage at the farm level, understand how producers are financed and how the supply chain operates in origin countries, and put relationships at the forefront of its sourcing models.”

PRF El Salvador is a platform for learning, networking, and creating new business. Simply put, it’s an opportunity that Salvadoran and other Central American smallholder coffee farmers can’t miss.

Mayorga SCholarsship beca

How can you apply for the Mayorga Scholarship?

To apply, please fill out this application. The form includes a series of questions about your contribution to the coffee sector. Please ensure your answers are as accurate as possible, as we will use this information to determine eligibility for the program.

Keep in mind that the Mayorga Scholarship only covers admission to PRF El Salvador and does not account for travel expenses, food, or accommodation.

The deadline to apply is February 1, 2023. After this cut-off date, successful applicants will be contacted. We encourage anyone who is eligible to apply as soon as possible, as spaces are limited.

Mayorga SCholarship

To learn more about PRF El Salvador, visit our news page, sign up for our newsletter, or reach out to our team at this email address.

Introducing Café de El Salvador at PRF!

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

We’re incredibly pleased to announce that the Café de El Salvador (operated by Consejo Salvadoreño del Café, CSC), which manages and directs El Salvador’s coffee policy, has joined PRF El Salvador as an Official Partner.

Café de El Salvador has also announced that it will host the El Salvador National Barista Championship and the National Brewers Championship at PRF El Salvador. The winners of both events will go on to represent El Salvador at the World Coffee Championships in Athens, Greece later this year.

Let’s take a look at the work done by the CSC and how it will add value to our event.

Meet Café de el salvador, consejo salvadoreño del café at PRF EL SAlvador

What is Café de El Salvador?

Since 1989, CSC has been El Salvador’s official governing body for coffee production. Its works with stakeholders in both the private and public sectors and its overall vision is “to be a leading institution in facilitating the necessary instruments for the development of the coffee sector”.

Among its many duties, CSC oversees all activities related to coffee production, promotes a sustainable and competitive coffee culture, and promotes the nation’s coffee brand, Café de El Salvador, both locally and internationally.

“The CSC conducts various activities that encourage domestic consumption, improve the culture of consumption in the domestic market, generate business opportunities that contribute to foreign exchange for the country, and strengthen ties,” says Café de El Salvador.

“New professionals are trained through Escuela de Café de El Salvador, specializing in different topics like beverage preparation and trends in processing, with a focus on coffee quality that fosters a foundation for their development and professional growth.”

Café de El Salvador also operates a modern coffee laboratory that researches coffee quality and how to improve it. 

Join the cupping session with Consejo savadoreño del cafe at PRF EL SAlvador

Café de El Salvador at PRF El Salvador

Café de El Salvador brings an incredible weight of authority, knowledge, and experience to PRF El Salvador.

“[We expect] to support the individual and collective benefit of all coffee chain actors, generating added value to the product,” says Café de El Salvador. “Also, [we expect] to influence national and international consumption of [Salvadoran] specialty coffees, repositioning the brand of Salvadoran coffee production.”

Furthermore, the organization believes that it’s incredibly important for coffee professionals to visit producing countries and “make direct connections with local roasters familiar with locally produced varieties”.

“This allows international roasters to gain in-depth knowledge regarding ideal roast curves and profiles, meaning they can then implement these profiles [back at their roastery],” it says. 

Finally, it asserts that events like PRF El Salvador are “a window” into the world of producing countries. 

“[PRF] promotes the quality of Salvadoran coffees on the international stage, facilitating trade between producers and industry stakeholders, and helps us to learn about market trends, technological innovation, and training, among things.”

drink coffee from consejo salvadoreño del café at PRF EL SAlvador

The El Salvador National Barista Championship and National Brewers Championship

For the first time ever, PRF will host two official national coffee competitions: the El Salvador National Barista Championship and the National Brewers Championship.

“Competitions encourage professional growth for the baristas taking part in them,” the organization says. “This is one of the activities that forges a connection with specialty coffee producers, positioning the barista as a professional in the industry.”

It adds that these events also create hype around the importance of the barista profession, ultimately “promoting and improving the culture of internal consumption and highlighting the work carried out in various stages of the agro-production chain”.

“It’s an event that strengthens the talent of young participants, and thereby contributes to the economic and social development of the country,” it concludes.

coffee farmer from consejo salvadoreño del cafe at PRF EL SAlvador

We’re excited to have Café de El Salvador as an Official Partner at PRF El Salvador. Together, we can shine a spotlight squarely on Salvadoran coffee – as well as those who produce it.

For more information on the work done by the CSC, visit the official website here. You can also learn more about the Café de El Salvador brand here. 

Tickets for PRF El Salvador are on sale now. Visit our ticketing page here to secure your place ahead of the two-day forum, which takes place on 16 & 17 March 2023.

To learn more about PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here, sign up for our newsletter here, or reach out to our team at this email address.

Are you ready to travel to PRF El Salvador?

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

PRF El Salvador is quickly approaching, and we can hardly wait to welcome you to the Salamanca Exhibition Center San Salvador. In the meanwhile, it’s time to begin finalizing your travel plans and make sure you’re prepared to join us.

We’ve put together some travel tips and a few important reminders for all attendees. Here’s what you need to know.

We've put together a list of tips and FAQ for your travel to PRF El Salvador.

Event details

The sixth iteration of the forum runs from March 16 to 17 in beautiful El Salvador, the country where our first PRF was held. Get hyped for the Central American coffee industry event of the decade!

Tickets & registration

  • All tickets must be purchased online (no onsite sales.)
  • Tickets are non-transferable. 
  • Your unique QR code (generated upon ticket purchase) serves as your ticket for registration. 
  • Registration opens at 8am on March 16th, 2023.
  • Scan your QR code at the Salamanca entrance, then pick your badge in the PRF Center located in Exhibition Hall.

Badges

  • Your badge is the only way of accessing the event. Lost badges can be reprinted on site for a fee of US$25. 
  • Each attendee will need to pick up their own badge in person; company representatives cannot register/pick up multiple badges for their staff.

Please note that children under the age of 12 (including infants) are not permitted to attend PRF El Salvador.

International travel considerations

What do I need to enter El Salvador?

While most visitors from Europe, Australia, and the Americas will not need a travel visa, it is best to check the official entry requirements associated with your country prior to departure. International visitors to El Salvador are currently required to purchase a travel card upon arrival; this costs US $10 and will need to be paid in cash. 

Which airport should I fly to?

El Salvador’s international airport, Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez Airport (SAL) is located in San Luis Talpa, about a half hour drive from the capital, San Salvador. 

How can I get from the airport to the city?

We recommend arranging an airport shuttle directly with your hotel – you can ask if it offers this service ahead of your arrival. Local taxi services and Ubers are readily available both at the airport and within San Salvador, or you could rent a car. 

Do I need travel and health insurance?

Attendees are encouraged to secure travel and health insurance prior to departing for El Salvador.

Read our full list of frequently asked questions for travelers here.

Where can I stay?

Out of the many hotels in San Salvador, we’ve hand selected a list of recommended 4 star and 5 star hotels here. Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Sheraton Presidente, and Hyatt Centric are offering special discounted rates for PRF attendees. 

How about meals?

San Salvador boasts many wonderful places to eat. Whether it’s the fine cuisine of Brutto, tacos at Pecado Migrante, Carne’Calle burgers, or brisket at El Holandés Errante BBQ, you’re sure to find something to please.

What about the local coffee scene?

San Salvador and the surrounding areas have plenty of specialty coffee shops. Tour around and taste local interpretations of the country’s best offerings – here are our picks.  

Local attractions after the event

Want to stay in El Salvador a bit longer? Soak up some rays, take a surfing lesson, enjoy great local seafood and the beautiful Pacific beaches during your visit. Several oceanfront boutique hotels and resorts are offering PRF attendees a discounted rate after the event. Check them out here. 

Stay tuned for the latest updates by signing up to our newsletter, following PRF El Salvador on social media, or reading the latest news here.

Please carefully review our terms & conditions and code of conduct prior to attending PRF El Salvador. If you have any further questions, feel free to email the PRF Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com. 

See you in San Salvador!

Register for PRF El Salvador workshops and cupping sessions

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged ,

Listen up! Registration for workshops and cupping sessions at PRF El Salvador is now open. Registration is essential for any ticket holders who wish to attend these workshops and cupping sessions. There are limited spaces for each session, so without registering, you’ll miss out.

As part of the two-day forum in San Salvador, attendees will be able to watch lectures and panel discussions, but these hands-on workshops and cupping sessions provide an invaluable layer of interaction that’s sure to make PRF El Salvador a memorable and enlightening experience.

Read on to learn more about these events and how you can secure your spot today.

Which workshops and cupping sessions have been confirmed?

As always, PRF El Salvador will host a lineup of world-class workshops across a range of topics relevant to Salvadoran coffee and the industry at large. 

Keep in mind that more workshops will be announced closer to PRF El Salvador. Below is a list of confirmed events – simply click on the title to register!

Workshops

Hosts: Ryan le Roux & Shaun Aupiais (Red Band Academy & Leva Foundation, South Africa)

Host: Nicole Battefeld-Montgomery (Rancilio Group DE, Germany)

Host: Albert Scalla (StoneX, USA)

Host: Antoine Communaudat (BWT Water+more, Germany)

We can also confirm that workshops by Ola Brattås (Kaffebrenneriet SV, Norway), Sam Corra (ONA Coffee, Australia), and Dale Harris (Hasbean, UK), Fair Trade(USA), Alico (Colombia)  will be added to the program imminently.

Coffee cuppings PRF El Salvador

Coffee cuppings on offer

Our workshop schedule is accompanied by a selection of cupping sessions that will showcase some of El Salvador’s finest specialty coffees, as well as some from slightly further afield.

These sessions are also great places for international and local roasters to meet potential green coffee suppliers.

Cupping Sessions

Host: San José Specialty Coffee (El Salvador)

March 16, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Host: Cuprima (Efico) (Guatemala/Belgium)

March 16, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Host: Café Tuxpal (El Salvador)

March 17, 9:30am – 10:30am

Host: MAV Coffee (El Salvador)

March 17, 11:00am – 12:00pm

We can also confirm that cupping sessions hosted by Ally Coffee, Café de El Salvador, Café Pacas, Granja Paraiso 92, Finca Santa Matilde, and other companies from Colombia and Honduras will be added to the lineup in due course.

Workshop PRF EL Salvador

Frequently asked questions

WHERE WILL THE COFFEE CUPPINGS TAKE PLACE?

We will be holding a series of coffee cuppings in our Cupping Rooms – which are dedicated to these sessions. 

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER FOR THE COFFEE CUPPINGS?

Yes, please click on the title of the cupping session you would like to attend and complete the form.

Each event has a limited number of seats depending on the capacity of the room and the activities participants will be involved in.

Please note that cupping sessions are only available to roasters and green coffee buyers.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN MATERIALS FOR THE CUPPINGS?

All materials and resources needed for the coffee cuppings will be provided at the event. The organizers will contact you via email if you will be required to bring your own materials.

Red band academy Ryan and Shaun

We can’t wait to welcome you to PRF El Salvador this March. Workshops and cupping sessions have been highlights of previous PRF events, and we expect this trend to continue.

However, remember that spaces are limited for workshops and cupping sessions. Register soon, or you risk missing out!

For more information on PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here or subscribe to our newsletter here. 

New speakers announced for PRF El Salvador

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged ,

As we build up to PRF El Salvador, we’re thrilled to announce that several more world-renowned coffee experts have joined our lecture and panel discussion schedule.

The forum will feature some of the coffee industry’s foremost thought leaders, who will share their insights into the various challenges that face Salvadoran coffee producers and the coffee sector at large.

Let’s take a look at the updated lecture and panel discussion program.

All the new lectures and panel discussions

Each and every PRF event is centered around the exchange of knowledge, with the ultimate goal of driving green coffee sales in producing countries and addressing critical issues in the coffee sector.

Here are all the updates to our lecture and panel discussion program:

Lectures

Addressing the north-south divide in the coffee supply chain

Speaker: Sam Corra (Ona Coffee, Australia)

It’s time to change the standards for how we market and sell coffee

Speaker: Martin Mayorga (Mayorga Coffee, USA)

TBA

Speaker: Mark Zhou (MTPak, China)

TBA

Speaker: Bram De Hoog (Ally Coffee, Netherlands)

How can El Salvador differentiate itself from other origins and sell more coffee in the UK?

Speaker: Dale Harris (Hasbean, UK)

The evolving coffee market in the US

Speaker: Matt Swenson (Nestlé, USA)

Coffee prices: what happened in 2022 and what can be expected in 2023?

Speaker: Albert Scalla (StoneX, USA)

More than a market trend: why cold brew cup quality matters

Speaker: Julia Leach (Toddy, USA)

A roaster’s guide to entering the Eastern European market

Speaker: Zoran Stanojevic (Kafeterija, Serbia)

How direct relationships lead to improved quality

Speaker: Eduardo Choza (Mayorga Coffee, USA)

How to translate a profile from sample to production roast

Speaker: Ola Brattås (Kaffebrenneriet AS, Norway)

Reviewing the challenges facing roasters who trade directly with producers

Speaker: Mohamad Merhi (Cypher Urban Roasters, UAE)

Entrepreneurship in the coffee sector: bringing young people into the industry

Speaker: Luis Eduardo López (Varietales Finos & Granja Paraíso 92, Colombia)

Panel discussions

Scaling specialty coffee consumption through relationships with fast food chains

Lead panelist: Edgar Cabrera (Thrive Farmers, USA)

Guest: Kenneth Lander (Thrive Farmers, USA)

What is a buyer looking for? How can you add value to both yourself and the buyer?

Lead panelist: Ryan Garrick (Watchhouse, UK)

Guest: Jordan Montgomery (Fjord Coffee, Germany)

(TBC) Analyzing supply chain actors: how can roasters add more value for producers?

Lead panelist: Jeffrey Chean (Groundwork Coffee, USA)

Guest: Adam Kline (Coffee Unified, Inc., USA)

Previously announced lectures and panel discussions

In case you missed it, here’s the list of previously confirmed lectures and panel discussions set to take place at PRF El Salvador.

Lectures

Creating a pathway for selling ultra-premium coffees

Speaker: José Guzman (Kofra Specialty Coffee Roasters, UK)

Data & green coffee quality: why is it so important?

Speaker: Darina Onoprienko (Agrivero.ai, Germany)

Micro to macro: how to scale a specialty roastery

Speaker: Rodrigo Jaeger (Café Señor K, Chile)

What are the purchasing priorities of Chinese roasters?

Speaker: Lewis Harding (Coffee Exchange, China)

Exotic processing: leveraging biochemistry to produce experimental coffees

Speaker: Wilton Benitez (Varietales Finos SAS, Colombia)

Key steps for managing quality control

Speaker: Dulce Barrera (Bella Vista Coffee, Guatemala)

Panel PRF Colombia coffee
Panel PRF Colombia coffee

Panel discussions

How can we make specialty coffee less elitist?

Lead panelist: Jonathan Moral (Café de Finca, Spain)

Guests: Estella Zuleta Carmona (Deep Café and Roastery, UAE)

Rodrigo Giammattei (Café Caté, El Salvador)

Winning the World Barista Championship

Lead panelist: Federico Bolaños (Alquimia Coffee, El Salvador)

Guests: Carlos Pola (Finca San Antonio & Las Brisas, El Salvador)

Alejandro Méndez (2011 WBC Champion, 4 Monkeys Coffee Roasters, El Salvador)

How to connect with the Saudi green buyer

Lead panelist: Osamah Alawwam (Roasting House, Saudi Arabia)

Guests: Yousef Alzayer (Leanitai Coffee, Saudi Arabia)

Miguel Candel (Saudi Coffee, Saudi Arabia)

The role of women in the Salvadoran coffee sector

Lead panelist: María Pacas (Café Pacas, El Salvador)

Guests: María Elena Botto (International Women’s Coffee Association & Women’s Coffee Alliance of El Salvador, El Salvador)

Ana María Schmidt (Finca Montealegre, El Salvador)

Customizing coffee education and training for Central America

Lead panelist: Johanna de Rodríguez (Academia Barista Pro, El Salvador)

Guests: Jonathan Rodríguez (Academia Barista Pro, El Salvador) 

Carlos Guerra (Café San Rafael, Honduras)

Are we defining coffee quality incorrectly?

Lead panelist: Tony Dreyfuss (Metropolis Coffee, USA)

Guests: Nicole Battefeld-Montgomery* (Rancilio Group DE, Germany)

Jorge Raúl Rivera* (Santa Rosa, El Salvador)

Reviewing Middle Eastern specialty coffee trends

Lead panelist: Cleia Junqueira (Coffee Planet, UAE)

Guests: Anthony Bedoyan* (Golden Goose, UAE)

Mostafa El-Saiid* (Al Fayrouz, Egypt)

* New guests added since previous update

In less than two months, PRF El Salvador will welcome producers, roasters, green buyers, and other coffee professionals at the Salamanca Exhibition Centre in San Salvador, where they will be able to see these world-class lectures and panel discussions. 

There are still a few events set to be confirmed in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our communication channels to ensure you stay up to date.

Tickets for PRF El Salvador are on sale now. Visit our ticketing page here to secure your place ahead of the two-day forum, which takes place on 16 & 17 March 2023.

Several PRF El Salvador workshops and cupping sessions have also been announced – make sure you register to guarantee your place at these limited-capacity events.
To learn more about PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here, sign up for our newsletter here, or reach out to our team at this email address.

Divisadero Coffees: Five generations of excellence in western El Salvador

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , , ,

Next up in our showcase of our El Salvador Sourcing Trip Experience Host Sponsors is Divisadero Coffees, a Cup of Excellence-winning Salvadoran company run by fifth-generation coffee producer Mauricio A. “Moe” Salavarria.

Mauricio describes his company and its farms as “The Kingdom of Naturals”, an accurate title given his incredible work done to pioneer, improve, and ultimately perfect natural coffee processing in El Salvador.

Divisadero will be welcoming international visitors to its farms from March 12-15, 2023, after which they’ll head off to the two-day PRF El Salvador event at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador.

Read on to learn more about Divisadero and what visitors can expect from the company.

Divisadero host sponsor mauricio Salavarria

Pursuing quality for over 140 years

Mauricio’s family settled in El Salvador’s Apaneca Mountains in the mid-19th century, establishing Finca Himalaya, their first farm, soon after.

In the years since, Divisadero has expanded to cover more farms, several of which have gone on to produce Cup of Excellence-winning specialty coffee lots under the guidance of Mauricio, his father and his grandfather.

Divisadero, meaning “vast views,” is now widely recognized as one of El Salvador’s leading specialty coffee producers and exporters. It supplies high-quality coffee to roasters in Australia, France, the USA, and Saudi Arabia, among others, and it boasts a 12-year direct trade relationship with Boxcar Coffees, based in Colorado, USA.

“El Salvador has a long history of producing some of the world’s best coffees, and slowly, our origin is being recognized for having the cleanest and best processing in the region for naturals and others,” Mauricio explains. “Our growers and exporters are the friendliest and most reliable to do business with, especially via direct trade.”

Mauricio adds that Divisadero Coffees is now a pioneer in the field of eco-friendly coffee processing, making it the perfect partner for modern specialty coffee roasters.

Host Sponsor Divisadero Coffe cherries

What can STE attendees expect from Divisadero Coffees?

Mauricio and his team are incredibly excited to welcome roasters and green coffee traders to their farms this coming March. He’s adamant that trips like the Sourcing Trip Experience are the best way to showcase the passion involved in producing excellent Salvadoran micro lots year in, year out.

“Consistency in quality is not easy to achieve, so we’re very proud to be a fifth-generation producer producing coffee since the 1870s,” he adds. “[By visiting our farms,] roasters can gain firsthand knowledge on just how difficult it really is to produce, process, and export these beautiful micro lots of specialty coffee.”

For Mauricio, the most valuable aspect of the Sourcing Trip Experience is its potential to nurture new partnerships and insightful discussions around El Salvador’s coffee producers and their industry.

“The most valuable part is the opportunity to meet firsthand at origin and discuss all the different angles of our specialty coffee industry and where it will move in the future – maybe aided by sharing a dinner of our world renowned pupusas and beer,” he says.

Some of the farms that attendees may visit include the Cup of Excellence-winning Himalaya, Villa Galicia, El Copo, and Cruz Gorda – all located in El Salvador’s mountainous west.

Divisadero Natural Coffee

The Sourcing Trip Experience is meticulously curated to ensure that roasters from around the world are paired with leading Salvadoran specialty coffee producers.

Over the course of the experience, roasters will get the opportunity to speak with producers at length about Salvadoran coffee production, tour their farms and mills, and sample a range of different coffees.

Some example activities that you can expect during the STE include:

  • Farm tours, which will cover a range of different varieties and producer profiles
  • Tours of wet and dry mills, where participants will see optical sorting machinery, depulpers, fermentation tanks, and other key equipment in operation
  • Cupping sessions arranged directly with producers
  • Roundtable discussions on industry challenges from both producer and roaster perspectives
  • Networking opportunities with potential sourcing partners and roasters from around the world
  • Organized dinners with local specialities/dishes

“We look forward to meeting new coffee friends and showcasing our 100% shade grown Cup of Excellence-winning farms, eco-friendly processing, and overall top microlot offerings, which have made us a pioneer in the field,” Mauricio concludes.

If you’re interested in attending the Sourcing Trip Experience, buy a ticket here or email the STE Coordinator at tati@producerroasterforum.com. 

Introducing the Official Roasting Sponsor for PRF El Salvador: !FEST Coffee Mission

By LauraPosted on Posted in Announcements, NewsTagged , ,

We’re excited to announce that !FEST Coffee Mission, a world-class specialty green coffee sourcing company, has joined PRF El Salvador as the Official Roasting Sponsor for our new Global Roasting Contest. 

The Ukrainian trader offers a range of coffee lots from Latin America, East Africa, and Indonesia. We’re thrilled to have them joining us at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador from March 16-17, 2023.

In addition to supplying all roasting needs for the competition, !FEST will also be on hand to engage with Salvadoran producers, international roasters, and other coffee professionals to discuss green coffee sourcing opportunities and share its wealth of knowledge about Central American coffees.

Let’s take a closer look at the company and how it will elevate the PRF El Salvador experience.

What is !FEST Coffee Mission?

!FEST Coffee is a green coffee sourcing company that connects coffee producers and roasters. Since starting its sourcing operations in Central America, it’s gone on to become a regional expert.

CEO and green buyer Dimitri Slukin explains that !FEST Coffee provides full transparency on price, agricultural practices, and all other information regarding its coffees, giving clients peace of mind that their purchases enable producers to live well.

“Our values are long term relationships, transparency, and education,” he elaborates. “Roasters can always come with us to origin and source their coffees directly there, or buy lots from our stock in Ukraine, Europe, Turkey, and UAE – all sourced by our team.”

The company has since expanded to stock coffees from other global origins like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Indonesia – sourcing from more than 200 farms in total – but retains a major focus on its producing partners in Central and South America.

“Our mission is to close the gap between the farmer’s world and the consumer’s world,” Dimitri continues. “We do this by working closely with farmers on agricultural, financial, and educational levels. This enables us to be fully open with roasters while facilitating a direct connection with farmers, and even setting up sourcing trips.”

!FEST Coffee will be supplying all the green coffee used in PRF El Salvador's first-ever Roasting Championship.

!FEST Coffee and the Global Roasting Contest

!FEST Coffee will be supplying all the green coffee used in our first-ever Global Roasting Contest. This will mean that competitors work with high-quality specialty coffee sourced from Central America.

Julio Guevara, Director of PRF, explains that this is the first roasting competition of its kind to take place in Central America.

“This is also the first time such an event has welcomed participation from both coffee producers and roasters,” he adds. “It’s great to see !FEST Coffee supporting an initiative that will benefit producers, roasters, and competitors alike with the experience of roasting samples – something that could greatly benefit the whole supply chain at the green coffee level.”

!FEST Coffee will also be supplying one of the two Aillio Bullet roasters used for the competition.

“We look at coffee as an art,” Dimitri says. “Growing coffee is an art, processing coffee is an art, and roasting coffee is an art. Every part is a complex and comprehensive topic which can be learned and improved upon with no end.”

He adds that PRF El Salvador attendees will benefit from this “behind the scenes” look at coffee roasting, gaining insights that will drive important conversations and new business partnerships.

“We want to be seen as a link between the producing and consuming world, so sponsoring a Global Roasting Contest at origin seems like the right thing to do,” Dmitri says.

!FEST Coffee is sponsoring PRF El Salvador in the coffee Roasting Championship in San Salvador.

All of our sponsors at PRF El Salvador share the values of the event, including a desire to outline El Salvador – and Central America as a whole – as a global coffee trade hub and a leader in specialty coffee innovation.

“Sharing is caring, and it represents so much value in our case,” Dimitri concludes. “If we succeed in establishing a great understanding of roasters’ needs and the challenges faced by producers, both parties can adapt and grow together to have profitable and sustainable businesses.”

For more information on the Global Roasting Contest, visit the page here. You can apply to compete here.
You can also learn more about PRF El Salvador by visiting our official news page or by contacting a member of our team via email.

To learn more about !FEST Coffee Mission, visit their website here.

Exclusive PRF merch launch with artist Armando Márquez

By LauraPosted on Posted in Announcements, News

To commemorate our return to PRF El Salvador and celebrate Salvadoran coffee, we’ve collaborated with renowned local visual artist Armando Márquez. Armando is the co-founder of Ruts Studios, and we’re delighted to announce that you can now buy our fantastic PRF El Salvador “Pacamara Ruts” merch here.

The limited edition collection includes t-shirts, posters, art pins, and stickers, all featuring Armando’s exclusive illustration commissioned to commemorate a world-leading coffee event in Central America. 

We spoke to Armando to learn more about his art and how he captured the essence of Salvadoran specialty coffee in his illustration. Read on to learn more!

We’ve partnered with renowned local visual artist Armando Márquez, the co-founder of Ruts Studios, to design the PRF El Salvador Merch.

Meet the artist: José Armando Márquez Carranza

Armando’s journey began in Santa Ana, El Salvador, where he first picked up his passion for art after spending plenty of time among the city’s surfing and skateboarding communities. However, his career officially began in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2016, when he graduated from art school.

“[Not too long after,] I had the honor of being invited to participate in various events where I was surrounded by many artists from different disciplines,” he tells us. “Among the events were music festivals like Lollapalooza and Corona Capital Festival.”

At the end of 2017, Armando designed his first surfboard and snowboard for Californian brand Quiksilver, and in 2018, he returned to El Salvador to focus on capturing the people, fauna, flora, and culture of the country in his art.

Since then, he’s worked for a range of both national and global brands. Today, his style blends a passion for surfing, skateboarding, and photography, with a love for El Salvador.

Salvadoran artist Armando Márquez designed the limited edition PRF El Salvador “Pacamara Ruts” merch to celebrate coffee.

Art inspired by Salvadoran specialty coffee

“Salvadoran coffee is perfect and our high standards for coffee put us among the best in the world,” Armando explains. “I love our varieties of coffee and I love that we identify with our land and the people who work on it.”

Since being introduced to the work of Mario Salinas at Pirómano Coffee Roasters – an Official Ambassador for PRF El Salvador – Armando says he hasn’t stopped learning about specialty coffee.

For his PRF El Salvador illustration, he drew on both this day-to-day relationship with specialty coffee and one of Salvadoran coffee’s most famous exports: Pacamara.

“Coffee is the fuel for many artists and creatives – without coffee, I couldn’t work! I can’t start illustrating in the morning without a good cup on my drawing table.”

He adds that although it was initially difficult to incorporate Pacamara cherries into the design, he played around until the piece came together.

“We were looking for the essence of our country and the essence of the coffee-growing areas where these varieties are produced,” he says. 

“Creating this illustration for PRF was fun because I like challenges and getting out of my comfort zone. 

“The process of ideas and conceptualization is what makes an illustration or a work of art rich. We worked hand-in-hand as a team and we managed to capture the essence of Pacamara, keeping true to its roots.”

The limited edition PRF El Salvador collection includes t-shirts, posters, art pins, and stickers, all featuring Armando Márquez’s exclusive illustration.

PRF El Salvador Collection

ProductPrice in USDDescription
Limited Edition PRF El Salvador Tee$29.97– Available in black and white 
– 3D printed logo on front (soft touch material)
– Relaxed fit
– 70% Polyester, 30% Cotton
– Wrinkle-free 
– Hang to dry 
– Crew neck
Limited Edition PRF El Salvador New Era Cap$44.95– 100% polyester
– Available in black 
– Curved visor
– New Era logo on left side
– Mayorga Coffee logo on right side
– PRF logo on front 
– Tight closure for a comfortable fit in a range of sizes
– Hand wash only
– 39Thirty New Era
Pacamara Ruts – PRF El Salvador 2023 Official Poster$14.75– Full color print on heavyweight foldcote paper.
– Only 100 posters will be printed, numbered, and signed by the artist. 
– Our limited-edition posters do sell out and are never reprinted, so don’t hesitate on this special collectors’ piece.
– Final Size: 13×19”
PRF El Salvador Pin$3.99– Special edition pin
– Full color acrylic 
– Materials: metal and plastic
– Size: 1”
PRF El Salvador Sticker$0.99– Special edition sticker
– Digital, full color print
– Soft touch material
– Size: 3.5”

PRF El Salvador will take place March 16 and 17 at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador. Dozens of exhibitors, lectures, panel discussions, and workshops are already confirmed, and thousands of coffee producers as well as other international professionals are expected to attend.

This is your chance to own a piece of PRF history – get your limited edition merchandise before it sells out.
To learn more about the event, email our team here or check out our list of confirmed speakers in this article. You can also read more about workshops and cupping sessions at PRF El Salvador here.

BWT water+more joins PRF El Salvador as Official Water & Cupping Sponsor

By LauraPosted on Posted in Announcements, NewsTagged , ,

We’re proud to announce that BWT water+more, an international water treatment company renowned throughout the coffee sector, has joined PRF El Salvador as our Official Water & Cupping Sponsor.

BWT water+more will support all of our attendees’ water needs at PRF El Salvador, which will include supplying water for our Brew Bar and Espresso Bar, as well as the event’s cupping rooms.

This is the first sponsorship of this kind for any coffee event in Latin America, further outlining our commitment to deliver a world-class industry event for both local and international attendees. 

Water quality has been a key discussion point in the coffee industry over the last few years, and we’re excited that we’ll be able to continue that discussion in El Salvador.

Let’s take a closer look at the role the company will play at the event.

BWT-water-glass

What is BWT water+more?

BWT water+more is a member of the global Best Water Technology Group (BWT) a company founded in Austria in 1990. BWT is a leading European brand in the water treatment industry, employing more than 5,000 people across 70 different affiliates and subsidiaries.

Antoine Communaudat is Export Area Manager at BWT water+more Deutschland GmbH. 

“Today, Latin America is increasingly consuming specialty coffees produced locally,” he says. “If you consider that an espresso is approximately 92% water – and an americano as much as 98% – you soon realize that water plays a crucial role in extracting flavors, which is why water quality is so important for the best results. This is where we come in!”

He adds that for more than 16 years, BWT has had a close relationship with the coffee sector, providing insight into the role water plays in coffee extraction.

“This close cooperation with various partners like baristas, roasters, and manufacturers of coffee machines has enabled our R&D teams to develop practical solutions for water optimization for coffee businesses around the world,” he says. “We’ve been able to create the exact tools that the coffee community needs and values.”

BWT Water filtration system barista

What role will BWT water+more play at PRF El Salvador?

Antoine explains that by becoming the Official Water & Cupping Sponsor at PRF El Salvador, BWT water+more will be able to show attendees just how important it is to use high-quality water when preparing coffee. Furthermore, in their role as Cupping Sponsor, BWT water+more will also provide all the water for our cupping sessions.

“To us, it is important that attendees, sponsors, and the entire PRF network realize that a very short and simple water-working routine can make the difference,” he elaborates. “We’ll help them to understand how to analyze water quality in a few steps, choose the right water filter solutions, as well as optimize coffee water quality and customer satisfaction and thus their business profitability.”

From 2022 to 2025, BWT water+more will be the Qualified Water Filtration Sponsor for the World Barista Championships, part of its mission to bring excellent water to the world of specialty coffee.

However, Antoine explains that BWT water+more products can help coffee businesses and baristas all across the industry – not only during competitions.

“By optimizing your raw water supply, you’ll not only guarantee great-tasting hot drinks every time, but you’ll also protect your delicate machine technology,” he explains. “The filter systems prevent limescale and gypsum deposits and ensure that the water has the right hardness, pH level, and mineral content for the perfect coffee.”

And as mentioned earlier, BWT water+more will be our partner for all water needs at PRF El Salvador, including for the coffees prepared at our Brew Bar and Espresso Bar, as well as in our cupping rooms.

BWT Water filtration system. Water bottle

Antoine concludes by explaining that PRF El Salvador is the ideal platform for BWT water+more to “encourage the ongoing market change in Latin America.”

For more information on PRF El Salvador, visit our news page here. Alternatively, contact a member of our team via email to learn more.

You can also read more about BWT water+more and its mission here.

Last chance to get an Early Bird Ticket for PRF El Salvador!

By LauraPosted on Posted in Announcements, NewsTagged ,

The deadline for our Early Bird Tickets for PRF El Salvador is December 21 – don’t miss out!

PRF El Salvador will take place on March 16 and 17 at the Salamanca Exhibition Center in San Salvador. Dozens of exhibitors, lectures, panel discussions, and workshops are already confirmed, and thousands of coffee producers and other professionals are expected to attend.

Discover the benefits of Early Bird Tickets below.

LAST CHANCE TO GET EARLY BIRD TICKETS

Early Bird Tickets are discounted

Save up to US $50 on a single ticket for the forum, depending on the option you choose. Here’s a breakdown of all the Early Bird Ticket prices:

LOCAL ATTENDEES

REGULARVIP
$99 $79 USD$149 $129 USD

INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES

REGULARVIP
$159 $109 USD$209 $159 USD

LOCATION: Salamanca Exhibition Center, San Salvador, El Salvador

PRF DATE AND TIME: March 16 & 17 2023, from 9:00am to 5:00pm

ACCESS: To enter the forum, present the QR code you will receive by email after purchasing your ticket.

Note that these tickets grant you access to the two-day forum in San Salvador, and not the Sourcing Trip Experience, which is a separate event that requires its own ticket. 

Groups can also inquire here about the Producer Partner program.

You can also get Early Bird Tickets for the Sourcing Trip Experience (STE):

TICKET TYPEEARLY BIRD PRICEPRICE AFTER DECEMBER 21
Sourcing Trip Experience$699 USD$850 USD

What does the PRF Early Bird Ticket get you?

Here’s a quick breakdown of everything a PRF El Salvador ticket grants you access to:

PRIMARY ACCESSLOCALINTERNATIONAL
PRF Keynotes
PRF Panels
Interactive Sessions & Workshops
All PRF Exhibition Areas
Networking Meetups
Mentorship Opportunities
Meet International Coffee Roasters
Roundtables

Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pre-register and register for interactive sessions and workshops, including coffee cupping sessions. However, the sooner you get your ticket, the better your chances are of securing your spot at these events.

Attendees will have full access to the Brew Bar and Espresso Bar, both of which will showcase some of the finest specialty coffees El Salvador has to offer.

The Toddy Cold Brew Championship is returning at PRF El Salvador. This unique competition has been specifically designed to show just how exciting cold brew can be.

The Sourcing Trip Experience will take place before the two-day forum in San Salvador. This event will bring roasters and producers together on coffee farms, and aims to serve as a foundation for long-term green coffee sourcing relationships.

A Sourcing Trip Experience ticket will grant you access to the following incredible benefits:

Farm Tours
Wet and Dry Mill Tours
Cupping Sessions with Producers
Round Table Discussions
Networking Opportunities
Organized Dinners
VIP Access to PRF El Salvador

Some of the Sourcing Trip Experience Host Sponsors are already confirmed, and you can read all about them on our News page here.

Don’t miss out on getting your ticket – December 21 is the final cut-off for Early Bird Ticket sales, and after that, both local and international attendees will pay full price for a ticket.

Buy your PRF El Salvador ticket or Sourcing Trip Experience ticket now.

BUY HERE

You can also contact our team at this email address. To find out more about the confirmed speakers, check out this article. You can also read more about workshops and cupping sessions at PRF El Salvador here.

Toddy Cold Brew Championship returns at PRF El Salvador

By LauraPosted on Posted in News, NewsTagged , ,

Toddy, the official Cold Brew Sponsor of PRF El Salvador, will be returning with the Cold Brew Championship in 2023.

At PRF Colombia, competitors faced off over two days to create the best cold brew they could with Toddy’s Cold Brew Cupping Kit and Toddy Filters. The first ever winner was Colombia’s Mauricio Romero, a barista and coffee competitor from Bogotá.

We spoke to Mauricio and the President of Toddy, Julia Leach, to find out more about the championship and what participants can expect in San Salvador in 2023. Read on to learn more.

Toddy Cold Brew Championship returns to PRF El Salvador in 2023.

How does the competition work?

Julia explains that the Cold Brew Championship is a contest for those who love showing just how exciting cold brew can be.

“Cold brew is a nuanced brewing method that can showcase the best aspects of a coffee, and we can learn more from competitors about how to manipulate brewing variables to produce amazing and unexpected flavor profiles,” she says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cold brew, and the contest demonstrates this beautifully.”

At the event, a set number of competitors will put their skills to the test using their coffee of choice. On day one, they’ll need to complete the brewing process and be assessed by a technical judge, who will ensure all criteria are met.

The following day, competitors will be required to present their cold brew in three different formats:

  • Pure concentrate; minimum 30ml
  • Diluted concentrate; minimum 30ml; ratio at competitor’s discretion
  • Designer non-alcoholic drink; must contain competitor’s concentrate

A further three judges will then assess the sensory qualities of the finished products and declare a winner.

Each competitor will use the following:

  • Toddy Cold Brew Cupping Kit (set of three)
  • Clean water
  • Toddy SB Paper Filters or
  • Toddy SB Tree Free Filters

Mauricio explains that the format of the championship is fresh and different to many other coffee competitions.

“I really enjoyed the competition because I met many colleagues who brought very good coffees,” he says. “This allows us to continue learning, and recognize that there are many good brewers out there capable of using different techniques like cold brew.”

What prizes are on offer?

The top three competitors – two runners-up and one overall winner – will walk away with prizes provided by Toddy.

Prizes are yet to be confirmed, but last year, the prizes included the Toddy Cold Brew System, Toddy Timer, Toddy Tumbler, and the Toddy Cold Brew Cupping Kit.

Register to compete at the Toddy Cold Brew Championship at PRF El Salvador 2023.

Mauricio’s only advice for anyone who plans to take part is to enjoy the experience to the fullest and keep an open mind when developing their drinks.

“Building on the success of the Cold Brew Competition in Colombia, we’re refining the process and contest to make things even better this time,” Julia adds. “With a bigger contest space at the venue, we will have more competitors. 

“We look forward to experiencing El Salvador and its vibrant coffee culture.”

To register for the Toddy Cold Brew Championship at PRF El Salvador from 16-17 March 2023, click here. 

If you’d like to receive regular updates on this and other topics related to PRF El Salvador, sign up for our newsletter here.

You can also watch Toddy’s President, Julia Leach, break down sensory analysis for cold brew below: