Women in Tea & Coffee Created an Ideal Setting to Learn, Share and Network

Coffee and tea are dynamic, global industries that offer diverse careers in a variety of areas. T&CTJ’s Women in Tea & Coffee Conference championed women working in the tea and coffee industries from origin through the supply chain in an intimate, collaborative setting.

The inaugural Women in Tea & Coffee Conference took place in London on 2 May at The View and drew speakers and attendees from around the world, including: Canada, Germany, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Sweden, Tanzania, the United States, and of course, the United Kingdom.

Women play important roles throughout the tea and coffee supply chains – from ‘bean and leaf to cup’. The one-day conference – Tea & Coffee Trade Journal’s first branded event – was designed to offer women – from Gen Z to Gen X – a chance to learn more about opportunities within the coffee and tea industries on the manufacturing/ processing side from women currently in key positions with coffee and tea brands, allied service companies, as well as coffee and tea associations/organisations.

The Women in Tea & Coffee Conference (WiTCC) aimed to advance women’s careers within both industries through knowledge and networking opportunities in an intimate, collaborative setting so those women just entering the workforce who may be interested in pursuing a career in either industry or perhaps those women looking to ‘make a change’, could both ascertain how to navigate the best career path from women who have been there and done that — or are doing it! That is, the WiTCC was for women to learn from, elevate, and support women. Based on the overwhelming positive feedback, the event did just that.

“I think I just witnessed the start of something great,” noted one attendee. Another called it “an inspiring day,” and yet another said it was “an empowering day.” Ana Wilkes, head of coffee research, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, added, “I’ve never been to an event where there’s been a room full of women. It’s just incredible – it’s usually it’s a room full of men.”

The keynote speakers, Vanúsia Nogueira, executive director of the International Coffee Organization – the first woman to hold that position – and Rona Tison, executive advisor and tea ambassador of ITO EN North America, both shared truly personal accounts of their career paths and the challenges they faced as women in many of the roles leading up to their current positions. Ms Nogueira admitted that, following many of the coffee-focused presentations she gives around the world, she has heard that she is an inspiration to young people – both girls and boys – which moves her every time.

“This is our responsibility, to be an inspiration to the next generation,” she said.

The women on the Careers in Tea & Coffee panel – Katrina Farmer, European category manager, Clipper Tea; Sían Edwards, director of strategy and insights, Finlays; Suzanne Giele, head of social impact, LIPTON Tea & Infusions; Ana Wilkes, head of coffee research, NKG; and Mollie Harvey, coffee apprentice, Lincoln & York, who is studying for Q grader exams – also shared their personal journeys, experiences, and decisions en route to their current positions.

The attendees conveyed how they enjoyed the ‘personal’ stories of the keynote presentations and Careers’ session panellists. “We never hear such personal stories in conference presentations, it was wonderful and refreshing,” shared one attendee, while another offered, “It was a beautiful experience to see women thrive in their careers and share their journey and expertise so openly. Makes me proud to be a woman!”

The session with members of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance – global board member, Anke Erichsen and Getrude Alworah, senior research scientist, Kenya Coffee Research Institute, and an IWCA chapter member – and the newly formed International Alliance for Women in Tea, and its co-founders — Dr Sharon Hall, chief executive of the UK Tea & Infusions Association and Shabnam Weber, president of the Tea & Herbal Association of Canada, discussed the work both organisations do at origin with female producers and workers, and why this work is so important for women and for the sustainability and viability of both industries.

Ms Alworah explained how female coffee producers work 12-16 hour days with their days beginning before their children awaken with tasks such as milking cows and then getting the children ready for school, working on the farm all day, and then rushing home to meet the children after school and then prepare dinner. She said the IWCA helps female coffee producers gain access to  education, skills training, and healthcare by “bringing these experiences to them,” otherwise, they would not have these opportunities because of having to take care of their children and their households outside of their farmwork.

The IAWT was formed only in 2024 but is already making an impact at origin. Dr Hall and Ms Weber shared how their first event was a webinar focused on women’s health in rural areas, which featured a gynecologist from India,who discussed the challenges women face there. By then end of the webinar, one tea company purchased 100 menstrual cups for women in Malawi [through the charity, Ufulu], which may seem small, but “is lifesaving for these girls and women,” said Ms Weber.

The sustainability panel, which featured: Vanúsia Nogueira, executive director of the ICO; Dr Sharon Hall, chief executive of the UK Tea & Infusions Association; Shabnam Weber, president of the Tea & Herbal Association of Canada, Elizabeth Langdon, vice chair of the British Coffee Association, Dilara Celik, partnerships and communications manager, 4C; and Keely Wade, marketing manager, Lincoln & York; touched upon the three pillars of sustainability while highlighting the integral roles women play from origin through the supply chain. The session discussed how sustainable initiatives are critical – perhaps more so now than ever before – as well as the impact of rising demand on producers.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of such a powerful and inspiring event. It was truly a privilege to be among so many remarkable women, each contributing to the future of tea and coffee with passion, purpose, and authenticity,” said attendee, Dr Syreeta Charles-Cole. “The energy, insight, and sense of community throughout the day were unforgettable. I left feeling uplifted, and excited about what lies ahead for all of us in this space. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing the conversations this event has sparked.”

In her presentation, which highlighted personal aspects of her life and career, Ms Tison also discussed many Japanese principles, including the concept of Ichi-go, Ichi-e, a Japanese phrase that translates to “one lifetime, one encounter.” Both attendees and the speakers/ panellists would likely agree that the first Women in Tea & Coffee Conference offered ‘many lives’ the opportunity ‘to encounter’, to share, and to learn from one another in an intimate, collaborative setting. Discussions surrounding the second Women in Tea & Coffee Conference have already begun so expect dates for the 2026 event to be announced soon!