Zambia

Greetings, Coffee Crew!

My cup is filled with a brand new coffee for us.  Zambia is an East African coffee, and is our current substitute for Kenya which will be available again when new crops arrive in April or May.  The Munali Estate coffee features a wonderfully soft combination of honey, melon, orange zest and sugar cane, for a mellow cup of coffee.

Clear the cobwebs from your head with a cup of Zambia and a good book.  Books allow us to visit far-off places without stepping foot outside our front door.

Marketing tips:

1.       Samples, samples, samples…  Offer small samples of drip coffee, blended drinks, etc while you are making customer drinks.  Pastries or other food items are great samplers also.

2.       Increase your profit centers…  Coffee shops that are continuing great success are increasing their menu items.  Include breakfast burritos, fruit cups, Panini sandwiches, soup, chili, or protein drinks.  Your current customers will spend more and you will attract new customers.  Be the one stop shop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Check with your food service vendor to explore their offerings for easy to serve food items.  OR, make your own.

3.       Whole bean specialty coffee sales have increased 12 percent in the grocery stores.  You already have a fabulous coffee to offer, capitalize on this revenue stream yourself.

Trivia:  There is no certification for “shade-grown” coffees.

Recipe:

Chocolate Plunge for Super Bowl Sunday:

1 c. fat free half & half                                   1 tsp. finely ground espresso

2 Tbsp light corn syrup                                   ½ tsp. vanilla extract

8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped                    Assorted fresh and dried fruit

Heat half & half and corn syrup, just to a boil, whisking until smooth.  Remove from heat, add chocolate, whisk until melted and smooth.

Return to heat and boil about 1 minute, careful not to scorch. Remove from heat, add espresso and vanilla.  Serve warm or let cool to room temperature.  (If making ahead, transfer to airtight container and refrigerate up to 1 month.  Gently reheat)  Serve with assorted fruit such as strawberries, orange slices, dried apricots or mangos, etc.

Promote Super Bowl Sunday at your café if you have tables and television.  If not, consider deliveries during the game.  Have fun!!!

Quality keeps your customers coming back time and time again.

Make it a great week!

Peggy Sue Ennenga