[0]Welcome to the new Coffee Bean International Headquarters and Roasting Facility
Yesterday, Sam joined County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, Director of Portland Development Commission, Bruce Warner, President and CEO Patrick Criteser, and about 40 friends and onlookers for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Coffee Bean International's new NE Alderwood facility [1].
During the ceremony, Criteser thanked the 150 employees who, he said, are the core reason for the company's success. Sam recognized Coffee Bean International's commitment to Portland, even though it was recently acquired by Farmer Bros. Coffee Co. [2], which is based in California. He also celebrated the sustainability measure the company took in designing its new facility and during its entire history of coffee production. In fact, the new building is set to be the first coffee roasting company in the Northwest (and only the second in the country) to be LEED-certified [3]!
[3]Sam and CEO Criteser look over the roasting facility
While Coffee Bean International has major customers like Nordstrom, Target, and Harry & David, the company has maintained a commitment to quality that is evidenced in this roasting facility. "We're proud to remain headquartered in Portland in a building that showcases our commitment to artisan roasting and to the environment," said Criteser. "While our new building respresents an impressive use of technology, we remain committed to doing business the way we always have, and in particular to our old-world style of small batch roasting."
[3]Paul Thornton leads a cupping for Commissioners Adams and CogenTo impress upon us their commitment to quality, Criteser invited Sam and Commissioner Cogen to participate in a traditional coffee experience - a "cupping [4]."Presided over by nationally reknowned coffee roastmaster, Paul Thornton [5], Sam and Commissioner Cogen observed, smelled, tasted, and described three diverse single-sourced coffees: Sumatra Mandheling, Guatemalan Antigua, and Ethiopian Yrgacheffe. Commissioner Cogen was surprised and delighted by the bright blueberry notes in the Ethiopian Yrgacheffe. Sam appreciated the low acidity of the Sumatra Mandheling.
Visit the new facility [6] to experience a cupping, see the roasters, and witness the stellar work environment that compels the 150 employees who work for Coffee Bean International stay there for decades.