Lisa Virgiano, Indonesia culinary expert
Lisa Virgiano, Indonesia culinary expert
INDONESIA
Indonesia tea is used in the blends of many famous brands around the world but the country and region of origin are rarely mentioned. Indonesian culinary expert Lisa Virgiano is determined to change that and is working to promote Indonesian teas by changing the mindset of farmers’ about the job they do and the product they make. She feels that the government also needs to intervene to both favor the tea farming profession and to work for the long term sustainability of the soil, etc.
She recently held a workshop on coffee for village residents in Temanggung, Central Java, to introduce the types of premium coffee growing around their village and the response was surprisingly positive. Her approach is unique in that she involves farmers in the presentation of their products and she also campaigns abroad for Indonesian products. Her dialogue with farmers and experts has made her realize that she still needs to learn more and is now studying for a masters in development communication at Malmo University, Sweden.