Tokyo, Japan — A high-profile delegation from the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association (JCEA) has arrived in Tokyo to participate in a pivotal joint meeting with the All Japan Importers of Jamaican Coffee. The event, held at the prestigious Big Sight Convention Centre, also includes representatives from the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA). Dr. Norman Grant, Chairman of the JCEA, highlighted the association’s ambitious plans to evolve into the Jamaica Coffee Manufacturer and Exporters Association (JCMEA), reflecting its expanded role in manufacturing. Additionally, JCEA members have achieved international certifications such as HACCP, SQF, USFDA, and Rainforest, underscoring their commitment to quality and safety. Grant emphasized the positive trend of increased engagement among coffee farmers, driven by rising cherry coffee prices over the past three years. He also noted significant improvements in quality at both farm and processing levels, with higher pass rates in JACRA’s quality tests. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including reduced margins for processors due to the disparity between rising cherry prices and stagnant export prices. On a brighter note, global demand for Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is surging, prompting the JCEA to set ambitious goals: doubling production from 220,000 to 450,000 boxes by 2030, enhancing farm yields, and improving quality. The association is also focusing on sustainability, maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification, adopting new technologies, reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, and collaborating with scientific research bodies to refine the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee strain.