The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) is pleased to announce the addition of South Korea as the 29th chapter in their global chapter network. IWCA chapters operate as independent organizations guided by the unique needs of their communities and globally united by the shared mission to empower women across the global coffee industry.  

South Korea is the fifth consuming country to join the IWCA network, and its membership represents baristas, traders, and a variety of other industry roles. Chapter leadership has identified the following strategic objectives to guide their efforts: 

• Bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

• Support women farmers and increase awareness of women’s rights in the coffee market.

• Facilitate employment opportunities for women working in the local coffee industry.
  

“Although Korea is a latecomer to the specialty coffee market, it has achieved dramatic quantitative growth and ranks 12th in world coffee consumption. The Korean chapter will play a key role as a leader of sustainability as an emerging powerhouse of coffee consumption, be the bridge between producers and consumers to cultivate empathy and understanding, and also serve as an advocate to promote the k-coffee culture within the industry;” said IWCA South Korea President, Sarah Kim.

Dr. Sarada Krishnan, IWCA Executive Director, is excited to welcome this new chapter and looks forward to the valuable opportunities that will be created for the local coffee communities, saying  “as 2021 comes to a close, I am thrilled to welcome South Korea as the 29th chapter to our global IWCA network. South Korea will be our fifth consuming country chapter, expanding market access for our producer members. I wish our South Korean chapter leaders much success in executing their vision.”

Watch the virtual MOU signing: