This association was and is the champion of a genuine quality-based revolution in the coffee industry in the European continent and in the rest of the world, apart from the United States where SCAA operates. The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) is the heart of the coffee community, where thousands of professionals and enthusiasts members can share their knowledge and experience. We spoke with Cristina Caroli, the Communications Manager for SCAE ITALIA: “I think that at this stage, with the possibility of unification with SCAA, it would be interesting for us all to take another look together at the core values and the driving force behind SCAE EUROPE, an association that has thousands and thousands of members worldwide. THE VISION: TO BE THE AUTHORITY ON COFFEE OF EXCELLENCE THE MISSION: TO CREATE AND INSPIRE EXCELLENCE IN COFFEE COMMUNITIES THROUGH INNOVATION, RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION THE VALUES: EXCELLENCE, KNOWLEDGE, LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY, COMMUNICATION, EXPERTISE, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY” SCAE EUROPE has striven committedly for years. It has established a huge network of coffee lovers and industry professionals in more than 90 countries around the world, with lots of events dedicated to coffee programmes, including training seminars, competitions (COE) and social activities at a local level, both in producing and consuming countries. Every day, through its network of qualified trainers and thanks to its education system, the COFFEE DIPLOMA SYSTEM, SCAE helps to improve the knowledge and expertise of dozens of people, from amateurs, to professionals involved at different levels in the coffee supply chain to those who serve coffee to customers.” Caroli adds: “Another important milestone is the WORLD OF COFFEE event, bringing together thousands of visitors and exhibitors from around the world so that they can find out about the latest trends and innovations in the coffee universe: in this prestigious context the World Championships of defined coffee bar-related disciplines take place. This is an incredibly exciting event and an expression of true excellence.” Caroli concludes: “As the Communications Manager for SCAE ITALIA, I think that all of us who are participants in the coffee world owe a lot to SCAE EUROPE: not just because of the competitions, the education system, the promotion of speciality coffees, but also the evolution of our equipment and the hugely important work of enhancing and highlighting the professional role of baristas. Being part of SCAE means all of these things, and it is pleasing to remember this from time to time.” Source: comunicaffe.com/scae-europe-celebrates-its-18th-anniversary/