NEWS
The Greater Houston Coffee Association held its first annual Coffee and Cocoa Symposium in October 2005. The trade show was attended by growers, importers, roasters, decaffeinators, traders, distributors, etc. It provided a forum for discussions covering all aspects of the international coffee business and its growing impact on the Houston region as an economic development engine.
Keynotet speaker Robert Nelson of the National Coffee Association highlighted Houston's colorful industrial history tied to oil and cotton and outlined its growing role as a significant international coffee port. Other industry speakers, Carlos deAldecoa of Houston-based Cadeco Industries, coffee grower and trader Jose Ribeiro of Brazil, and Don Christen of coffee-giant Sara Lee Coffee & Tea, addressed the growth potential of Houston as a factor in the world coffee market.