JAWiC Market Access Initiative
Problem : Jamaican coffee lacks sufficient access to local and international markets.
Solution : JAWiC is building a global network of potential buyers by establishing a presence at the world’s largest coffee events. We’re also strategizing better ways to market women’s coffee locally.
Many people have heard about the legendary Blue Mountain Coffee of Jamaica, but far fewer have had a chance to try it. JAWiC is building a network that will open doors to the international market for our members and bring our best to the world.
As a newly-formed chapter of IWCA (International Women’s Coffee Alliance), we were officially introduced to the global community at World of Coffee 2019 in Berlin. JAWiC President Andrea Johnson, board member Lauren LeFranc, and consultant Jen Zariat connected with representatives from organizations around the world. Our next major event is Brazil Coffee Week in November 2019.
We are also working on a commercialization strategy that recognizes and values the participation of women in Jamaica’s coffee sector, as well as a variety of promotional media and materials for our members to utilize.
Who Benefits?
This initiative is targeted at serving vendors and retailers, with tangential benefits to roasters, farmers, and other beneficiaries of our allied network.
Project Lead : Andrea Johnson
Current Status : Preparing for International Coffee Week in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in November 2019
Next Steps : Continuing to broaden our network and develop mutually-empowering relationships. Developing new tools to expand local market access.
Mary Maina (IWCA Kenya), Geoff Watts (Intelligentsia Coffee), and JAWiC President Andrea Johnson at World of Coffee Berlin 2019
Member of JAWiC attended World of Coffee 2019 in Berlin, along with members of IWCA from around the globe, sponsored by UN Women Caribbean.