|
Marquette Food Coop: Supporting Small Farmer Tea |
|
Natural Foods Sales Rep. Jodi Anderson chatted with Kyle Bladow of Marquette Food Co-op in Marquette, Mich., about our Organic Pyramid Teas.
Jodi Anderson, Equal Exchange: What’s your role at Marquette Food Co-op? How did you end up there?
Kyle Bladow, Marquette Food Co-op: I work in the grocery department at the Marquette Food Co-op. I've lived in the community for six years while attending college at Northern Michigan University. I've worked at the co-op for a little over two years, during which I’ve become the coffee buyer and demo coordinator.
Jodi: Marquette Food Co-op carries our Organic Pyramid Teas. As you know, these teas are different than most teas on the market. They are sourced exclusively from small-scale farmers, whereas the majority of tea (even fairly traded tea) on the market comes from plantations. What does this difference mean to you?
Kyle: Equal Exchange's policy fits well with our buying principles at the Marquette Food Co-op. I’m proud that we’re able to offer a product that promotes economic, environmental and social sustainability.
Jodi: Do you have a favorite Organic Pyramid Tea? What do you like about it?
Kyle: I’m a big fan of the Organic Wild Rooibos. I like the earthy, sweet flavor, and I prefer it when I'm looking for something caffeine-free.
Jodi: How does the biodegradable, mesh pyramid bag affect the quality?
Kyle: The teas seem to steep better than with paper bags.
Jodi: What's the best customer feedback you’ve heard?
Kyle: I've received a lot of positive feedback while sampling the teas. My most memorable experience occurred when a customer approached me and asked about them. She said that her coworker encouraged her to come to the co-op to try a box; the Organic Breakfast Blend was her coworker's favorite tea.
Jodi: Any recipe recommendations or unique ways you've used the pyramid teas?
Kyle: I've used the Organic Darjeeling Black to brew kombucha at home, with great results. The tea was perfect, never too astringent or bitter.
Jodi: Anything else you want to share?
Kyle: I hope Equal Exchange continues to provide vendors with quality products backed by conscientious business practices. I'm happy that our co-ops are jointly making the world a better place for everyone!
|
Our Co-op 
