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Guinea partners by providing them with the tools they need view 2021/2022), coffee producers are grappling with ers to leverage their influence for positive change. In
to process their coffees independently. Additionally, we various obstacles, from low and volatile prices to gender response, NKG CEO David M. Neumann initiated a dia-
offer education and support to deepen their knowledge of inequity and climate change-induced weather patterns. logue, laying the groundwork for collaborative action.
coffee processing techniques.” Nadia shared with me. Recognizing the critical role of digital tools in en- Fast forward to today, and the fruits of this col-
Looking ahead, Upstream’s aspirations extend be- hancing efficiency and sustainability within the coffee laboration are evident as the program recently an-
yond mere transactions; they envision a future where industry, DOEP aims to empower coffee professionals at nounced the selection of its third class of Partners.
ethical sourcing, sustainability, and inclusivity are the origin with the knowledge and skills necessary to lever- With locations spanning from the Neumann Gruppe
norm. “We aspire to further advance education, fair trade age digital solutions effectively. By bridging the gap USA headquarters in Hoboken to offices in San Diego
practices, and inclusivity within the coffee supply chain,” between available technologies and on-the-ground needs, and Seattle, these partnerships represent a commit-
Nadia said. With a steadfast commitment to their values this initiative strives to equip participants with practical ment to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities
and collaborative partnerships, Upstream is poised to strategies for implementing digital tools tailored to their for baristas from diverse backgrounds.
drive meaningful change and create a more sustainable specific contexts. Through NKG PACE, baristas receive not only tech-
future for the coffee industry and its stakeholders. At the heart of the program lies a bottom-up approach, nical training in quality control and green coffee import-
At its core, what Upstream is doing isn’t just about emphasizing participant-centered learning and hands-on ing but also mentorship and support to navigate career
business; it’s about catalyzing positive change within an training. Through live online sessions and interactive mod- advancement within the coffee industry. By equipping
industry that touches the lives of millions around the world. ules, coffee professionals representing cooperatives, ex- individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel in their
Their commitment to social responsibility isn’t just a mar- porters, and small and medium-sized enterprises will gain roles, NKG PACE empowers baristas to contribute mean-
keting strategy; it’s a moral imperative. In a world where a comprehensive understanding of digitalization fundamen- ingfully to the coffee community while dismantling
corporate interests often overshadow ethical consider- tals, from data collection and management to project mon- barriers to entry and advancement.
ations, Upstream’s ethos serves as a reminder that profit- itoring and evaluation. Furthermore, the program’s scope has broadened
ability and purpose can coexist harmoniously. DOEP represents a pioneering effort to democratize over time. While the initial year primarily emphasized
access to digital solutions within the coffee sector. By Quality Control and laboratory work, the educational and
In an industry historically dominated by men, ini- The Role of Educational Outreach Programs fostering a supportive learning environment and provid- apprenticeship aspects now encompass a wider range of
tiatives like active involvement in organizations such as ing personalized guidance, it aims to unlock the trans- areas, including Inbound Logistics, Outbound Logistics,
the IWCA are crucial steps towards creating a more Expanding upon the principles of social responsi- formative potential of digitalization for coffee profes- Customer Service, and Trade.
balanced and diverse coffee community. By providing bility and ethical sourcing, my focus shifted towards the sionals at origin, ultimately contributing to a more “By listening closely to the Partners, and with as-
equal employment opportunities and advocating for transformative potential of educational outreach pro- resilient and sustainable coffee industry. sistance from industry collaborators, we continue to
women’s participation at all levels of the supply chain, grams within the coffee industry. Just as companies like Over on the other side of the coffee supply chain, adjust the program each year,” said Michelle Maisto, NKG
Upstream not only fosters empowerment but also en- Upstream Coffee Imports have demonstrated a commit- initiatives like the Neumann Kaffee Gruppe Partnership PACE program coordinator. “We see so much hard-won
riches the industry with diverse perspectives and talents. ment to fostering positive change through collaboration to Advance Coffee Equity (NKG PACE) are reshaping wisdom, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit from the
Furthemore, promoting social responsibility is in- and shared values, educational initiatives within the the landscape for baristas, offering opportunities for Partners and candidates. By adding to that our knowledge
grained in Upstream’s DNA, “We believe in profit par- coffee sector serve as catalysts for empowerment and advancement and empowerment. While much attention of the supply chain, our NKG PACE colleagues emerge
ticipation for all stakeholders. By ensuring that everyone sustainable growth. is rightfully directed towards supporting coffee produc- as well-rounded coffee professionals who are undeniable
involved, from producing communities to roaster part- In the context of origin challenges, educational ers at origin, programs like NKG PACE recognize the assets to the coffee industry.”
ners, is a profit participant, we uphold our commitment outreach programs emerge as vital tools for addressing importance of fostering equity and diversity within the She continues, “The work of racial equity is slow
to social responsibility. We are actively looking to work systemic challenges and driving long-term impact. By retail sector of the coffee industry. and challenging, but the rewards always far exceed the
with partners, with community and social welfare pro- equipping individuals and communities with knowledge At its core, NKG PACE is a quality control-focused investment. I’m grateful to David M. Neumann, Group
grams, providing daycare facilities and basic healthcare and skills, these programs not only enhance livelihoods green coffee training program designed to provide mem- CEO of Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, for giving us the space,
services for women and children in the coffee farming but also contribute to the overall resilience and sustain- bers of the Black community with a comprehensive un- funding and leadership support to continue working
community, as well as promoting economic development ability of the coffee supply chain. Through partnerships derstanding of the coffee supply chain, particularly the toward genuine growth and change—in the industry, our
through a livestock and kitchen garden project. We offer and collaborative efforts, such programs have the poten- nuances of green coffee importing. This initiative ad- companies and ourselves. I invite like minded companies
transparency and direct relationships between the roast- tial to reshape the dynamics of the coffee industry, dresses the stark disparities in employment and deci- to join us.”
ers we work with and the farms/mills that we source making it more equitable, resilient, and responsive to the sion-making roles within the U.S. coffee industry, offer- As the coffee industry continues to evolve, initia-
from.” Nadia added. needs of all stakeholders. ing a pathway for underrepresented individuals to gain tives like NKG PACE and DOEP serve as catalysts for
Upstream’s success stories and achievements speak One prime example of an educational outreach valuable insights and skills. progress, driving towards a future where equity, diver-
volumes about the company’s commitment to making a program is Digital Coffee Future’s Digital Origin Education The genesis of NKG PACE can be traced back to sity, and inclusion are not just aspirations but fundamen-
positive impact in the coffee industry. One such accom- Program (DOEP). This initiative seeks to address the press- June 2020, a pivotal moment in American history marked tal principles guiding every aspect of the supply chain.
plishment includes supplying green grading equipment to ing challenges faced by coffee professionals at origin, by widespread protests against racial injustice. Phyllis By investing in the development and empowerment of
their partners in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and particularly in light of declining incomes and limited access Johnson, co-founder and president of BD Imports and baristas and origin partners, we pave the way for a more
Guatemala, “We actively seek opportunities to be a force to crucial information and resources. As highlighted by the founder of the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE), equitable and vibrant coffee culture that celebrates the
for good, and it’s a privilege to support our Papua New International Coffee Organization’s data (ICO Annual Re- issued an open letter to the coffee industry, urging lead- contributions of all its members.

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