INDEPENDENT NEWS

The Great Gravity Coffee Run: El Salvador and Back

Published: Thu 13 Sep 2012 11:52 AM
News Release
12 September 2012
The Great Gravity Coffee Run
To El Salvador and Back One Week
It’s been a whirlwind week for Kirstie Stanway as she arrived as a fresh-faced radio intern at More FM last Friday expecting to have a ‘normal first day’ in the office. Unbeknownst to her, she had walked into the Great Gravity Coffee Run and was off to El Salvador within an hour of arriving.
Stanway had just one week to travel to get the coffee beans, fly back, learn how to blend and roast, undertake a day of barista training from New Zealand's champion barista and to ultimately prepare the perfect cup of coffee.
Her first stop was Monte Sion, Gravity’s coffee grower in El Salvador, which is a 30 hour flight from Auckland and located 1600 metres above sea level. She has this morning arrived back in NZ, with a tightly wrapped package of goods from a central American country in her bag ("honestly officer, it's coffee").
Gravity doesn’t take any short cuts when it comes to producing coffee and Kirstie, originally from Mt Maunganui, was literally ‘in the field’ to learn about the best growing conditions, and harvesting methods to produce the best coffee. You can follow her exploits at www.gravitycoffee.co.nz/blog
Gravity trade directly with Monte Sion and Gravity Brew Master Stu Hargie (New Zealand’s only Q-Grade Certified Brew Master) selected this farm to visit as they support Gravity’s values through following sustainable practices and giving much back to the community.
“Monte Sion is a family farm run by a father and daughter team and produce remarkable coffee while also giving a huge amount back to the community - through medical programmes, education and a strong environmental focus. In 2003 the United Nations named them the role model company for combating poverty in El Salvador. We’re extremely happy to be working with producers who are more than just a great coffee supply.” said Hargie
Kirstie is tomorrow (13th Sep) being trained by New Zealand’s top barista Aymon McQuade who won the 2012 NZ Barista Championship, which will prepare to her to serve up the ultimate cup of coffee. Then greater New Zealand can appreciate her skills as she will travel around the country in the Gravity Van showcasing her newly learned barista skills. She will travel from Auckland to Christrchurch from September 21 to 28 visiting Hamilton, Taupo, Manawatu, Wellington and Nelson along the way.
If you would like to interview Kirstie please contact Michaela Dumper as below.
Editors Notes:
The Gravity Tour Dates:
1. Auckland 21st Sep 9am – 11am Westgate Outlet Store
2. Hamilton 24th Sep 8am – 10am, Top Town Tires, Te Rapa
3. Taupo 24 Sep 1pm – 3pm, Lake Front Car Park
4. Manuwatu 25th Sep 8am – 10am, City Fitness Carpark
5. Wellington 26th Sep 8am – 10am – Thorndon New World
6. Nelson 27th Sep 8am – 10am, Millers Acre carpark
7. Christchurch 28 Sep 8am – 10am, Cashel Mall Bus Exchange
ENDS

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