Premier Training Campus Spotlight: Coffeeland
Coffeeland is not a conventional coffee company and they do not intend to become one.
Premier Training Campuses (PTC) are Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) member companies or organizations whose facilities have been inspected and certified by the SCA. The program recognizes that these facilities offer an exceptional education setting for coffee education.
This week, CINDY WU, founder of Coffeeland Inc tells us about the company’s Premier Training Campus in Taiwan.
Since outlining its conceptual vision in 2014, the company’s goal has, and always will be, to provide specialty coffee that is accessible in all markets. Coffeeland merges art and science to strengthen the bond between coffee consumers and the farmers who are at the helm of the coffee process. In 2015, Coffeeland established itself with two offices located in Taiwan and the United States.
In Taiwan, Coffeeland partnered with CH Biotech Coffee Center to create a space for accessible education, focusing on a combination of research with coffee farmers, progressive farming techniques, advanced technology, and an emphasis on “proper tools and know-how.” Known as the Coffee Education Center, the facility opened 2018 in the heart of Taiwan’s coffee production region, achieving Premier Training Campus accreditation in 2018. The space has four lab-style classrooms, each focused on a different area of coffee study to encourage know-how and understanding in key areas: sensory and brewing; barista; roasting; and processing. Cindy Wu, Coffeeland’s founder, shares further details: “With over 300 square meters (3200+ sq.ft.) per classroom, each one has been uniquely designed with various colors, lighting, and decor so that students have not only the professional learning space to allow for success, but an environment that promotes learning and curiosity. It becomes a hands-on experience that allows them to put all their learning and theoretical knowledge into practical use.” Students at the Coffee Education Center can take SCA Coffee Skills Program modules in Sensory Skills, Green Coffee, Barista Skills, Brewing, and Roasting.
So why did Coffeeland strive to achieve Premier Training Campus accreditation for the Coffee Education Center? According to Cindy, the accreditation was a clear match to Coffeeland’s firm belief in the power of coffee education, their desire to share that education, and an understanding of the importance of having the right tools and access. “Coffeeland’s Education center is only a short drive to both coffee farmers and producers of Taiwan’s specialty coffee farms. Nestled in Nantou, Taiwan, our SCA certified education programs are a significant part of the mission at Coffeeland to advance coffee on a global scale. It is the sharing of knowledge that brings communities together, one that allows a transfer of passion and knowledge from one to another, and evokes a bond between people.” Citing the importance of developing a new generation of coffee innovators in Taiwan, Cindy considers the Education Center’s classrooms as central to its success. “With the opening of the most advanced certified coffee education classrooms, coffee teaching has entered a new age.”
For Cindy and the team at Coffeeland, the Premier Training Campus accreditation creates a foundation for the work they do to further coffee education “We aim to engage in the beauty of knowledge sharing for both professionals and enthusiasts alike,” explains Cindy. “Forming shared bonds over a humble beverage enjoyed by the whole world over- coffee. We aim to impact the lives of everyone through our Premier Training Campus, from farmers, coffee professionals and consumers, we are all taking small steps to uplift the entire coffee value chain. Working together to create a sustainable living for farmers and to bridge the gap where the science and art of coffee becomes one.”
Taiwan’s reputation as a tea empire makes it far less known for its home-grown coffee. However, the Tropic of Cancer crosses Taiwan, making it an optimal place for coffee cultivation, in particular regions like Guken (Yunlin County), Alishan (Jiayi county), and the Nantou region. “Coffee in Taiwan is a statement about society and cultures,” says Cindy. “The journey from local growers to global drinkers, home to world barista champions, and changes in consumer demands has brought a new link of connection through coffee to the desired goal of education.” Taiwan’s specialty coffees have attracted both coffee lovers and artisans to seek further coffee knowledge. “Our recognition on the global stage as well as our world champion baristas have fueled an unprecedented growth in specialty coffee.” As Taiwan’s capacity to grow and serve quality coffee has increased, coffee education and certifications have also gained popularity on the island. “Specialty coffee farmers use decades of experience in agricultural tea farming that is matched to a gifted terroir to grow coffee,” says Cindy. “Developing coffee education for farmers and consumers will further push the landscape of Taiwanese specialty coffee to a new frontier.”
As recorded cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan decline, Coffeeland is fortunate to be able to open their classrooms to learners again. “As COVID-19 has reshaped our technology landscape, we utilize virtual platforms and social media to continue sharing our discoveries in coffee,” shares Cindy. “We were fortunate enough to have our classroom setting in Taiwan as it has been a benchmark for reduction of COVID-19 based on world health reports. While we slowly open up our classrooms and public interactions, we do our part by participating in WHO recommended health guidelines and practice protocols that ensure both our employees and students are in a safe environment.” Like many Premier Training Campuses working to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coffeeland’s Coffee Education Center has introduced safety procedures and protocols to keep both students and trainers safe. These include, “temperature checks for all visitors and employees, consistent wiping down and cleaning of the facility and any areas frequently touched, hand sanitizers in each critical location, and communication with our employees about their health and how they’re feeling.”
As we navigate these uncertain times, being resilient and staying motivated can be challenging. “Resilience is not something we’re born with — it’s built over time from experiences we’ve had and what we can do at the present. Like a seesaw or balance scale, do our part to overcome challenges and not lose sight of our mission,” remarks Cindy. And what is Coffeeland’s mission? “Our mission is to share coffee education around the world, uplift our community, and find a common bond across cultures and societies. Making the world a better place for farmers, producers, and any worker in the coffee industry motivates us on a daily basis.”
Achieving SCA Campus certification offers global recognition of a company’s dedication to make coffee better. Learn more about how to get your own training facility certified here.
If you want to find a Campus near you, visit our Campus Map.
Photos from Coffeeland Premier Training Campus in Taiwan