Forum Activity for @Drew Gilmour

Drew Gilmour
@Drew Gilmour
03/15/10 12:53:08PM
5 posts

Cocao in Haiti ?


Posted in: News & New Product Press

Hi IlanaSorry that I was offline for a while.I've just returned from Haiti. Things are definitely getting worse as the rainy season is closing in. Incredibly, not all people have tents or tarps but the shelter providers are doing what they can. On a more positive note, the health situation has dramatically improved, though again, the rainy season is a worry.Happy to say that we just built a temporary school and will work with the UN to build six others. It's nothing more than a large shed with a tin roof, but it provides 600 kids with structure, learning and access to psycho-social counseling and medical resources. We hope to build 30 more.Have not had chance to investigate Haitian cocao. That's on the to-do list for my next trip in a week or so. I can say that Haitian coffee is delicious. They have a habit of brewing it with sugar on the beans, it rounds out the any bitterness nicely - try it if you get a chance.Really appreciate your interest. If you'd like, I'd be happy to send pics. Pls drop me a note at drew@iceblue.ca.CheersDrew
Drew Gilmour
@Drew Gilmour
02/16/10 02:30:28PM
5 posts

Cocao in Haiti ?


Posted in: News & New Product Press

Hi BradIt's great to see such a positive response.I am not surprised by your story - Hatians have great ag resources, but their quality control & market structures are extremely weak.There is great potential here. As my work takes me out to the field, I will try to better understand the cacoa market, industry & players and will share with you.Cheersdrew
Drew Gilmour
@Drew Gilmour
02/16/10 08:42:15AM
5 posts

Cocao in Haiti ?


Posted in: News & New Product Press

Hi AllI am in Haiti with a charity working to get some schools rebuilt. Everyone knows the scale of the tradgedy, though I am not sure people are aware of the strength and optmism of people for the future.To rebuild, Haitians need jobs and industry. Cocao grows here. Can anyone provide a perspective on Haitian cocao ?If of interest, I'd be happy to share what I learn.BestDrew
updated by @Drew Gilmour: 05/01/15 02:45:43PM
Drew Gilmour
@Drew Gilmour
01/06/10 02:31:26PM
5 posts

Bean to Bar Blog ?


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

HI AllFascinating stuff. Thanks for the links.Seems to be that in USA/Canada at least, we may be at the tip of a bean-to-bar movement starting up, much as we've seen in the craft beer industry. Question is whether there is the market to support good, locally made, albeit expensive, chocolate.Drew
Drew Gilmour
@Drew Gilmour
01/03/10 11:09:16PM
5 posts

Bean to Bar Blog ?


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I'm interested in learning/following the story of bean-to-bar startups. Can anyone point me to any blogs or exchanges here or elsewhere?ThanksDrew
updated by @Drew Gilmour: 04/19/15 06:18:20PM