The International Coffee Organization (ICO) has chosen the theme of ‘Women in Coffee’ for International Coffee Day (ICD) 2018.

“The idea for the 2018 campaign goes beyond paying homage to women,” the ICO says on the ICD website.

“We want to highlight the need for equity and equality in the coffee sector, from bean to cup, and that can only be achieved by empowering women to the benefit of the whole coffee sector.”

As part of 2018’s celebrations, the ICO launched a photo competition, asking participants to submit a photograph that highlights the importance of women in any part of the coffee value chain.

To view the shortlist and vote, click here.

At the 122nd session of the International Coffee Council (ICC) on 21 September, the ICO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance to pursue collaborative efforts to promote gender equality across the coffee sector.

“Reducing the gender gap in the coffee value chain will not only have a crucial social and economic impact, but will also increase the supply of higher quality coffee,” says Gerardo Patacconi, ICO Head of Operations, on behalf of the ICO Executive Director José Sette.

“The effect of low prices has a detrimental impact on all producers, but especially women as they are often the most vulnerable in the coffee value chain.”

The annual theme of the ICC session was Women in the Coffee Value Chain.

For more information, visit https://internationalcoffeeday.org.