Andrew Hetzel of Cafemakers becomes first accredited coffee judge

Kamuela, HI (MARKETWIRE) January 28, 2007 – Andrew Hetzel of coffee
consultancy Cafemakers has become the first Hawaii resident to be
certified as a coffee Cupping Judge by the Specialty Coffee
Association of America.

In a 5-day series of exams held this January in Waterbury, Vermont,
Mr. Hetzel successfully completed 21 sensory skill and coffee
knowledge tests necessary to obtain accreditation. Participants
traveled from as far as Japan, S. Korea, Thailand and Portugal in
pursuit of the certification.

"Most people are surprised to learn that taste is not considered when
assigning coffee a grade in Hawaii. The proof of coffee quality is
always in the cup, yet that's the one place that we're not looking,"
observes Hetzel.

To become a SCAA Cupping Judge, applicants must demonstrate
proficiency in aroma identification, organic acid identification and
green coffee grading, as well as, accurately grade dozens of sample
coffees from Brazil, Indonesia, E. Africa, Central America and Colombia.

"I plan to instruct others in Hawaii to taste and rate coffee to
internationally accepted standards," Hetzel continues. "Tasting
protocols are necessary so that that we can improve the quality of
our crops, maintain Hawaii coffee's good reputation and secure the
future of coffee farming in the State."

About Andrew Hetzel

Andrew Hetzel is the founder and president of Cafemakers, a coffee
industry business consultancy based in Hawaii. Cafemakers provides
strategic business counseling, marketing and quality improvement
services for coffee retail chains, roasters and trade associations
worldwide.

Named one of the top young business entrepreneurs in the State of
Hawaii by Pacific Business News, Mr. Hetzel is also a frequent
presenter at food and beverage conferences, a judge for coffee
competitions and a writer for coffee industry trade publications. For
more information, visit www.cafemakers.com.