Celebrating Women in Coffee: IWCA's Partnership with Caribou Coffee
In a grand two-day event held in Minneapolis, Caribou Coffee brought together over 500 coffee shop managers to culminate their annual campaign celebrating women in coffee. This event was particularly special as it honored the legacy of Caribou Coffee’s original roastmaster, Amy Erickson. IWCA’s Executive Director, Blanca Castro, participated in a panel discussion, sharing insights about IWCA’s mission and the ongoing efforts to empower women in the coffee industry.
Amy's Blend: A Tribute to Passion and Quality
Caribou Coffee created Amy’s Blend in tribute to Amy Erickson, their original roastmaster, to mark this special campaign. Amy’s legacy is one of dedication, quality, and leadership, which continues to inspire the Caribou Coffee team today. Every year, Caribou honors Amy with two limited-edition coffees: Amy’s Blend Light Roast and Amy’s Blend Dark Roast. These blends are a testament to Amy’s passion for exceptional coffee and her influence on the brand.
A Campaign to Celebrate International Women’s Day
The collaboration with Caribou Coffee for International Women’s Day was not just about coffee but about recognizing the incredible contributions of women throughout the coffee value chain. Caribou Coffee reached out to IWCA to partner on this campaign, underscoring their commitment to celebrating women in the industry.
Financial Support for Global Impact
A significant highlight of this collaboration was the substantial financial support garnered. Caribou Coffee’s campaign raised $36,000 for IWCA. These funds are earmarked for several IWCA chapters, including Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Kenya, with each chapter receiving $5,000. This support will enable these chapters to continue their vital work in empowering women coffee producers and fostering sustainable development in their communities.
Honoring Amy Erickson's Legacy
Amy Erickson’s story is one of inspiration and dedication. She was Caribou Coffee’s original roastmaster, a title that perfectly suited her expertise and love for great coffee. Amy’s Blend not only honors her memory but also fuels bright futures by donating a portion of its proceeds to charitable organizations. The blend features beans from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, and Ethiopia, reflecting the strong relationships and unique flavors that are central to Caribou Coffee’s offerings.
Looking Forward
The collaboration between IWCA and Caribou Coffee underscores the power of partnership in driving positive change. By honoring Amy Erickson’s legacy and supporting women in coffee, both organizations are making a significant impact. This campaign is a shining example of how the coffee community can come together to celebrate, support, and empower women, ensuring a vibrant future for the industry.