Editor, This is with reference to your article, “Rwanda coffee exceptional, says Starbucks executive” (The New Times, May 7). It is without a doubt that not just the quality of Rwanda coffee, Rwanda tea is equally exceptional. The forthcoming World Tea and Coffee Expo 2015, which will be held at the Expo Grounds in Mumbai (October 1-3, 2015), would be the perfect venue to launch Rwanda’s premium tea and coffee. At this expo, exhibitors and buyers from around the world, who are in the tea and coffee business, would be present to showcase their quality products. Starbucks, which partnered with the world renowned Tata Group in India, would definitely be delighted to offer Rwandan coffee at their premium outlets all over the Indian sub-continent. Presently, they do offer Ethiopian coffee, but why not Rwandan coffee as well? Indians do love innovative products and services and both Rwandan tea and coffee could well make an impact on the high spending group of Indians and the foreigners who visit the country in large numbers. We wish NAEB (National Agricultural Export Development Board) and the Ministry of Agriculture every success with their foray into the Indian market and are confident that both Rwandan tea and coffee will be much sought after in the land of the Great Mahatma Gandhi. Clarence Fernandes Mumbai, India
