Specialty Coffee Association Of America To Hold Annual Coffee Event April 28 To May 1 In Houston, Texas

April 6, 2011
The Specialty Coffee Association of America aims to create a stronger partnership with the culinary world to satisfy growing consumer demand at its 23rd Annual Specialty Coffee Event, April 28 to May 1, 2011 in Houston, Texas at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America aims to create a stronger partnership with the culinary world to satisfy growing consumer demand at its 23rd Annual Specialty Coffee Event, April 28 to May 1, 2011 in Houston, Texas at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The National Restaurant Association's recently released 2011 chef survey states the number one top trend in culinary themes was sustainability, with organic coffee leading the non-alcoholic beverage trend category at number two.

Certifying associations with an emphasis on sustainable practices such as Rainforest Alliance and FairTrade USA play a substantial role in the annual specialty coffee event; additionally the 2011 Event Host Sponsor, Houston based Inter American Coffee, is one of the leading organic coffee importers in the US-making the Specialty Coffee Event an opportunity for chefs and restaurateurs to learn more and connect with companies and associations specializing in these trends. SCAA Deputy Director, Tracy Ging, comments, "Sustainability and quality are two intricately related pillars of specialty coffee that require ongoing collaboration and innovation. We are encouraged by the consumer interest and also are very aware of our responsibility to build strong partnerships to deliver on this need."

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is also pleased to announce a partnership with the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) at the event. The TRA, which is the largest state restaurant association in the United States, represents a community of more than 14,000 foodservice professionals, all of whom will be welcomed to attend the Specialty Coffee Event with a one-day free pass. TRA's partnership is intended to introduce the food service industry to specialty coffee beverages & food pairings, foster professional exchange, and deepen industry ties between the specialty coffee and culinary communities. TRA members interested in attending may contact their association representative for partnership details.

With the National Coffee Association's (NCA) recent National Coffee Drinking Trends survey stating that there is the opportunity in 2011 for "increased gourmet coffee consumption in the Central and South [US regions]" and the SCAA's Quarterly Sector Report showing that sales recovery within the specialty coffee industry has outpaced the rest of the foodservice sector, a partnership between the specialty coffee and southern culinary communities is opportune.

Complete Exposition details are available at www.scaaevent.org. Call 562-624-4100 or e-mail [email protected].