NAMA Recognizes Ken Shea During Third Annual National Coffee Service Month

Sept. 29, 2014

(CHICAGO) September 29, 2014 – In honor of National Coffee Service Month, and to highlight the significant and continuing growth of the office coffee service (OCS) market, NAMA recognizes long-standing coffee industry veteran and 2012 CTW co-chair, Ken Shea.

Ken Shea, Vice President of Coffee Development at DS Services of America, has spent three decades working in the coffee service industry, serving in senior roles on both the distributor and operator sides of the business.

His career has taken him around the country, including roles at Flowers Distributing, Servatron, Standard Coffee Service, Newco Enterprises and now DS Services. Shea and his wife ran a consulting business for five years before his return to Standard, which was purchased by DS Services in 2012.

“My passion for the world of coffee continues to expand,” Shea said. “Part of my duties at DS Services include research on coffee origin. I also write a recurring column in Coffee Talk.”

Looking forward to industry trends for 2015, Shea said he believes the single cup market will continue to evolve, and that awareness on coffee origin and sustainability will increase as well.

“There is growing industry interest and support of the many needs in coffee’s origin countries,” Shea said. “Human needs and sustainability issues exist in most every coffee growing country. It’s important that our industry continue to participate in developing solutions.”

Challenges ahead include growing commoditization in the operator community, with the prevalence of e-commerce. “The challenge for direct delivery operators will continue to be staying in front of the curve with new products and brew systems coupled with the provision of great service,” Shea said.

An annual CTW attendee and former co-chair, Shea is looking forward to sharing his expertise at this year’s event in November in Dallas, Texas.

“I have the honor of moderating a session with an interesting and diverse panel where we will explore many topics related to coffee origin and its relevance to the Coffee Service Industry,” Shea said.

“NAMA events always provide an excellent networking opportunity with our suppliers and the operator community. I look forward to CTW in November!”

To get the inside scoop on coffee industry trends, products and innovations, join NAMA at CTW 2014, Nov. 11-13 at The Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Matching the energy of its host city, this year’s CTW will blend Texas flair and southern hospitality with a fresh new look and feel in one big, bold package -- register at www.coffeeteaandwater.org

Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry.  With more than 1800 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn.

Related

Ds Services Logo 11323046
Ds Services Logo 11323046
Ds Services Logo 11323046
Ds Services Logo 11323046
Ds Services Logo 11323046
Beverage

DS Waters Changes Its Name To DS Services

March 5, 2014
DS Waters of America, Inc., a leading direct-to-consumer service provider to about 1.5 million home and office locations across the country and with the distribution capabilities...
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
NAMA logo new 571a488f9cc3e
Associations

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

May 7, 2009
Executive Staff Carla Balakgie, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO Dan Mathews, NCE5, CCS, Executive Vice President & COO Bill Meierling, Senior Vice President, External Affairs...