As a leading coffee producer, there
are several suggestions I can give to managers working or going to work in the coffee
production business. Interpersonal skills and other language skills (preferably
multilingual) to help with communicating to foreign workers (Ethiopians, Brazilians,
Latin Americans etc) is one of them. Efficiency of supply and distribution is
essential to maintain a competitive edge in the industry as coffee is a high
turn-over product, especially in cafés. Adequate levels of stock need to be
readily available for instant shipping to keep customers satisfied. But at the
same time - inventory levels need to be adjusted according to seasonal changes to ensure that fresh coffee products are in plentiful supply in colder
months, whilst not building unnecessary surplus stock in warmer months where
coffee consumption decreases.
A good manager will be able to research to
recognize the different flavours of coffee preferred by different demographic
regions. (bitterness, smoothness, acidity etc). Use only high quality coffee beans and instil into your workers the drive to cultivate and pick the best beans to make the most excellent and delicious coffee. Be innovative and work with researchers, scientists and engineers to come up with new and cheaper ways of separating good beans with bad beans. Now, modern day consumers are
becoming more aware of free trade and safe coffee manufacturing, so when you
can, use and promote fair trade and safe products so you build consumer
goodwill and confidence.
I also recommend going to industry tradeshows or events. This can get you information on whatever is happening in the coffee industry and show new products. It’s also a good idea to talk to as many other coffee company managers and representatives to try and promote yourself. Put yourself out there – try different blends of coffees, travel to different cities around the world and see where they get their beans from, see how they do things if they have impressive coffee. Label all your products as organic, even if they aren't, and make sure you hire really good lawyers. And one last thing: Packaging is everything – don’t have a dodgy looking coffee packet but make it visually appealing so as to attract the attention of customers.
I also recommend going to industry tradeshows or events. This can get you information on whatever is happening in the coffee industry and show new products. It’s also a good idea to talk to as many other coffee company managers and representatives to try and promote yourself. Put yourself out there – try different blends of coffees, travel to different cities around the world and see where they get their beans from, see how they do things if they have impressive coffee. Label all your products as organic, even if they aren't, and make sure you hire really good lawyers. And one last thing: Packaging is everything – don’t have a dodgy looking coffee packet but make it visually appealing so as to attract the attention of customers.
