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Coffee Roaster Scoops Top Award

Gold Medal for `Santa Barbara` coffee

J. Atkinson & Co, the coffee roaster in Lancaster established in 1837, has been awarded a Gold Medal for their El Salvador 'Santa Barbara' at the North West Fine Foods Awards 2008. The coffee came out on top in a blind tasting and was chosen by a panel of 24 food industry experts.

Ian Steel, Master Roaster at Atkinson's said: "The particularly pleasing thing about this award is that it has been given to a coffee that I personally selected from my first trip to 'origin'. When I went to meet the growers of my favourite coffee `Las Delicias` in El Salvador last year I attended many 'cuppings' (Industry jargon for a coffee tasting) on various farms and this coffee stood out as a real gem. I am so pleased for everyone involved in its production that a top gourmet quality product has been rewarded."

"Whilst I was out there I saw the difference that Rainforest Alliance Certification was making both to the ecosystem and the local economy. We have been at pains to carry through the exacting standards of good farming practices witnessed over there to our own Artisan Roasting production on vintage equipment. This coffee was small batch roasted on our 1945 Uno on direct flame, so well done to you too little old roaster!"

This just in from the Coffee Farmer's son in Santa Ana, El Salvador

"Hey Santiago, thanks for that good news. It is truly awesome. Please congratulate Ian for me, and let him know, that we will continue to work, and try to improve in every aspect, to supply you guys with the best possible coffee." Miguel Menendez son.