Marco & The 20/20 Project
This month we chatted with Lorraine O’Hagen, the marketing manager from Marco Beverage Systems to talk about their exciting new product launch of the MIX Boiler and their partnership with The 20/20 Project.
The 20/20 Project and Marco first partnered in September 2016. Marco was one of the first sponsors at the project’s launch. Marco is a leading Irish owned hot water delivery systems company founded in 1980. Having grown significantly since then, Marco exports over 80% of its business internationally. Dedicated to providing excellent, reliable service with integrity and accountability.
To mark the launch of their new MIX boiler, Marco has partnered with the 20/20 Project to directly support the community coffee project in Nepal.
This project in Nepal will see 380 farmers trained in coffee growing and climate-smart agriculture alongside the establishment of a coffee nursery, processing centre and a model training farm. The aim of this project is to equip farmers to create sustainable livelihoods for them and their families.
The MIX, what does it do, why is it eco-friendly, and why that is important?
“An advanced multi-temperature, volume controlled machine, MIX is meeting the increasing demands of beverage preparation in the coffee and specialty tea sector. Available in above and below counter variants, MIX delivers three different programmable temperatures on demand with the added benefit of three independent volumes programmable by the user, while offering Marco’s renowned temperature precision and design aesthetic.
The MIX takes a significant leap in energy management. Unparalleled in terms of energy efficiency, the MIX is 70% more efficient than top international brands.
There is now a global awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability and brands should play their part in contributing to developing eco-friendly products where possible.”
Why partner with The 20/20 Project?
“Coffee grows in some of the most vulnerable environments. It is crucial for the industry as a whole to protect these areas and support those working at origin. The 20/20 Project is a sustainable programme that positively impacts the global coffee value chain and ultimately empowers farmers to produce quality coffee, enabling their families to break through the poverty line. All too often coffee farmers contribution to the coffee chain is not recognised. This sort of project allows their voice to be amplified. We are really pleased to have found such a project to partner with and really looking forward to watching these programmes develop and grow.”
Why is it important for the coffee sector to give back to origin?
“The coffee chain begins at origin, without it there is no coffee sector. Quality coffee from origin has enhanced the industry. It is important the lives of the farmers are enriched in return and their value to the industry recognised.”
The 20/20 Project are delighted to be working with Marco and we look forward to this relationship continuing to develop in the future.