Cup of Excellence (COE) El Salvador 2018 winner Emilio Lopez Diaz of La Cumbre will tour Australia in July when he hosts Toby’s Estate’s second Knowledge Talks series of 2019.
Emilio’s natural geisha took the top two spots in the 2018 COE competition, however, this was not his first time entering.
“The first time I participated was in 2006. I was hesitant, I like to keep a low profile and didn’t want to feel I was showing off, but a friend involved in judging told me I should. So, I submitted a sample,” Emilo tells BeanScene.
“I made it through the first few stages and was selected as one of the 24 finalists. I went to the award ceremony, where they start with 24th placed then go up. My name was called first. I promised myself I would not enter again until I had something I was sure would win first place.”
Read more:
• El Salvador coffees impress Cup of Excellence judges
• Toby’s Estate confirms Emilio Lopez Diaz as next Knowledge Talks speaker
While Emilio went more than a decade without entering again, he was still involved, hosting buyers and judges at his farm.
“Every year in between, I would taste my coffees and be tempted to enter, but chose not to until I found something I was sure would win. Then last year, I found that coffee on the cupping table out of the blue,” Emilio says.
“Immediately, we started looking at each other and knew what was in front of us. A week later, something else came up, so we submitted both. They came first and second.”
Emilio’s winning lots were sold to the United States-based Good Boy Bob Coffee, and Japanese companies Maruyama Coffee, Sarutahiko Coffee, and Honey Coffee, the latter buying three lots.
“It took me 12 years, but it was worth it,” Emilio says. “I didn’t submit again this year. I feel satisfied and got what I wanted. Rather than submit my coffee again, I’ve been able to sell them outright to the same companies.”
Emilio not only produces coffee, but runs milling, exporting, importing, roasting, and retailing operations in multiple countries.
When he tours Australia, he will discuss the challenges faced by actors at every level of the supply chain.
This new series of Knowledge Talks will be held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth at the following dates and locations:
Brisbane: 3 July from 6pm to 8pm, at Lightspace, 2 Scanlan Street, Fortitude Valley
Sydney: 4 July from 6pm to 8pm, at Toby’s Estate, Unit C1, 46-62 Maddox Street (entry via 53 Huntley Street), Alexandria Industrial Estate
Melbourne: 8 July from 6pm to 8pm, at La Marzocco, 104 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford
Perth: 9 July from 6pm to 8pm, at Maison, 9 Douglas Street, West Perth
All proceeds from Knowledge Talks ticket sales are donated to the Las Nubes Daycare and Afterschool-Learning Centre. The centre supports the education of more than 40 children aged between three and 12 in the coffee community of Acatenango, Guatemala. On a daily basis, the centre provides education, nutritional meals, and a safe and nurturing environment to children while allowing parents to continue working or complete their education.
For more information, click HERE.