Coffee professionals will find new vigor in the work of the Coffee Association of Canada (CAC) on display this week at the advocacy group’s annual conference.
Coffee Association of Canada
2015 Conference Logo
The one-day event begins Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. Registration is at the door.
CAC director Lesya Balych-Cooper said that Canada’s coffee culture is undergoing a “wonderful transformation” and she has prepared a detailed report based on the 2015 consumer consumption survey. NPD Group executive Robert Carter will update participants on evolving trends and growth potential in foodservice while Sophie Morisseau, with Nielsen, will present an analysis of coffee in the grocery sector. Former CBC Dragon’s Den host Bruce Croxon, entrepreneur, investor and co-host of The Disruptors will open the conference.
Canadian coffee drinkers are adventurous and curious and always embracing changes at the forefront of the industry, said Balych-Cooper. Residents there drink more coffee than tap water daily and spend more than $4.7 billion each year at 5,000 independent cafes. Last year the association conducted a strategic review to determine its greatest value for members. The group intends to be the “go to” source for accurate, reliable information on anything to do with coffee, she said, adding, “Our marching orders are to become a platform for coffee activities, education and a professional networking hub for coffee.”
Those who cannot attend can read a detailed Q|A with Balych-Cooper in the December issue STiR Tea & Coffee. Balych-Cooper reveals consumer buying practices, behavior and attitudes that influence coffee purchases and consumption.
Learn more: Spotlight: Coffee Culture in Canada - CAC’s 2015 Annual Conference