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How a Fateful Change of Heart Led Rohan Marley To Become an International Fair Trade Coffee Mogul via [Marley Coffee and Jamaica Observer]]
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Did you know we have a coffee farm??
posted by Rohan Marley via Hot In The Marley Coffee Blog
“I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world” -George Washington
All Marley Coffees are certified organic and shade-grown on bio-diverse land without pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or other additives. While some coffee producers slash and burn their fields, so the sun can fully penetrate their crop, and they can increase their coffee yield, Marley Coffee’s shade-grown farming method preserves the habitats of dozens of species.
In addition to being a model for sustainable agricultural practices, Marley Coffee takes exceptionally good care of its workers. Marley farm workers are paid twice the average wage. And, a percentage of Marley Coffee sales goes to the Kicks for Cause Foundation, which aims to provide the children of farm workers with playable soccer fields and camps.
The names of the gourmet coffee blends play off the names of Bob Marley songs:
• One Love
• Jammin Java
• Lively Up!
• Mystic Morning
• Simmer Down (decaffeinated)
Our 52-acre Blue Mountain Coffee farm is located near Chepstowe, Portland in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica. Rohan Marley, chairman and founder of Marley Coffee, purchased the farm over ten years ago. Rohan was casually introduced to this magnificent piece of land by a good friend, and immediately fell in love, purchasing it on the spot.
Rohan cooling off in the river
It was the calm, clear river that initially drew Rohan to the property, as he would travel there nearly every day for an exhilarating dive off the 30 ft. cliff and a refreshing swim, but he soon became curious about what else the property had to offer. It didn’t take long to realize that amidst all of the delicious fruits, grew the esteemed Blue Mountain Coffee.
From that day forward, Rohan has been focused on organically cultivating this land to produce the best possible organic Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee the world has to offer. Below are a few pictures from our beloved farm. Enjoy!!
Yep, that’s all coffee!!
STAY TUNED!!
ONE LOVE!
Marley Coffee set to stir it up
BY AL EDWARDS via Jamaiican Observer
THE venture into coffee production by Rohan Marley, son of reggae icon Bob Marley, appears to be paying dividends as his company seeks to give the Marley Coffee brand a global presence.
Speaking with Caribbean Business Report from the Bob Marley Museum where he has an operational base, Rohan Marley recounted the early years and how he broke into the coffee business.
Back in 1998 a Rastafarian friend of Marley’s called him in New Jersey where he was living at the time, and offered to show him a 52-acre property in Portland, Jamaica, that would prove a worthy investment. His interest piqued and valuing his friend’s judgement he jumped on a flight to Jamaica to check it out.
The breathtaking Blue Mountains
“Although my father started out as a farmer and talked about getting back into it, I had no inclination to follow in his footsteps. To be honest, I didn’t think I had any aptitude for it and it didn’t interest me but I must say my initial impression of the property was favourable,” said Marley.
“I remember hearing this rumbling sound and was told that it was a river that ran through it. That made it for me, but I was apprehensive. I thought this must be some bandooloo business because there is no way anyone would give up this beautiful piece of land. Anyway, I got my chequebook out and sealed the deal right there and then,” said Marley.
Beginnings
Most of Bob Marley’s progeny have gone into the entertainment business and have had some success there. Rohan chose instead to go into business ventures. He studied sociology at the University of Miami and was a linebacker for the university’s football team, Hurricanes.
He would later go on to play professionally for the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Rough Riders. Today, he still has an athletic physique and can still strut his stuff on the gridiron.
Marley realised that with his newly acquired title came a once-working coffee farm. After taking over the property he was told that the workers were not to be trusted and that praedial larceny was the order of the day. Marley quickly assessed that it would do him no good if he was viewed in the same way as the previous owner and set about discovering what “a gwaan.”
Delicious pineapple and coconuts on the farm
“They told me that they picked the fuit and vegetables and used them to feed the community and that was regarded as theft. I said if we are going to have a good relationship, things would have to change. I instructed them that from now on, what was on the trees was to be used to feed the community and that a new sheriff was in town. I would not have a problem with them eating what came from the farm. I had to motivate them and encourage them to become self-sufficient,” he said.
Rohan enjoying some fresh “jelly” (coconut water)
“With a farm came a community of workers but it was not profitable. I decided to try and turn it around. The first decision I took, and still stand by today, was to be go organic, — no pesticides. In 2000, we established a company and set up offices here on Hope Road at the Marley Museum,” he explained.
He contacted the Coffee Board in order to find out just how an organic coffee farm could become a viable business and what would be needed to satisfy regulations. It proved extremely difficult to get the required licence and he spent years just reaping coffee berries and being unable to process them. He solicited the assistance of his good friend, Balram Vaswani, who would prove instrumental in shaping and leading the company and setting it on a path for growth.
Marley had a fortuitous meeting with a coffee processor who told him to bring what he had reaped and that he could get him ready for the market. The young Marley was not prepared to send his coffee to the Coffee Board for a measly $2,405 a box. Why? Because the coffee is sold in the United States for US$50 per pound. The way Marley saw it, the powers that be are making money off the coffee farmers, hand over fist.
“Man, I’m not that smart but I’m not that dumb. The Coffee Board was not offering a worthwhile deal so I thought best to process it myself.
I bought the necessary machinery, humidifiers, the works. The guy who offered to process my coffee didn’t work out, and I was left with containers consisting of 132 pounds per bag of coffee sitting in my house waiting for somebody to take me to the next level. Hardly the right start for a fledgling business.”
He went back to the United States and then on to Ethiopia to find himself, spiritually. His hiatus there saw him encountering coffee on the African continent and that period would serve to deepen his knowledge of the crop. In 2009, he looked to Vaswani to turn the company around and come on board full-time as CEO. Vaswani saw the potential and dutifully obliged, setting his sights on acquiring that elusive licence and ramping up the company’s marketing arm, while at the same time identifying potential markets. Eleven years after Marley secured the farm in Portland and set out to be a coffee farmer, Vaswani successfully managed to land not only the Coffee Board licence but also a dealer’s licence, as well. Marley Coffee Limited was on its way.
Taking off
“What that meant was that we could register our trademark as a genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee,” Vaswani explained. “The dealer’s licence means that we can buy coffee from other suppliers to meet demand. Today, we can meet any contract and can supply coffee at will. I looked at all the coffee brands and organisations, including Mavis Bank’s Jablum. What we wanted to establish was a distinct brand with the Marley vibe that would command respect. I think people would have to agree that today, respect is due.”
Vaswani was particularly impressed with the Sharp family’s coffee operation, moreso its marketing savvy. He saw an alliance there that could take Marley Coffee to the next level.
Rohan checking out the coffee during harvest season
“Balram came up with a fantastic business plan and took the time to acquaint himself with a number of coffee traders he introduced me to,” explained Marley. “From there our fortunes changed and we were on the crest of a wave. His business acumen has really made the difference. The Sharps came on board and both Jason and Richard (Sharp) brought so much to the table. They both were behind the idea of producing an exportable Blue Mountain coffee. The idea is to get Blue Mountain coffee into places it has never been before. To us, it is not just about exporting to Japan. The European and United States markets are still largely untapped and we see great potential there. Already, Marley Coffee can be found in 23 locations in Whole Foods stores throughout California and we have formed a great relationship with them. They have been very gracious in giving us fantastic exposure.”
Rohan making his way around the farm
The co-branding of the Marley name with Jamaica’s most notable premium agricultural product is a formidable mix, and selling it to export markets has gone down well, so far. Rohan and Vaswani have already come up with a number of different brands and price points that include “Buffalo Soldier”, “Mystic Morning”, “Lively Up!”, “Simmer Down”, “One Love”, and “Lion’s Blend Jammin Java”, which is a line they have created for bulk-buying by restaurants, hotels, educational institutions and corporations with a notable catering arm.
There is even an Ethiopian coffee line. A 340 g/12-ounce bag of Jamaica Blue Mountain Marley Coffee will set you back about US$20.00, which is competitively priced compared to other offerings out there on the market.
The Marley brand
Bob Marley, who died almost 30 years ago is challenging both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson for the title of richest deceased celebrity. Toronto-based private equity firm Hilco Consumer Capital has struck a management deal with the Marley Estate, which is expected to generate worldwide annual sales in excess of US$1 billion by 2012. This is all the more remarkable considering Jamaica’s total GDP is US$12 billion.
According to Fortune Magazine, the Marley name has already generated US$650 million in pirated merchandise. Mickey Goodman, a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, says: “Bob Marley is a strong global brand. He enjoys a high level of awareness and people feel positive about his music.”
Bob Marley’s children are intent on seeing that his legacy remains intact and that future generations will remain financially comfortable. Aware of the potency of the brand, The House of Marley has been formed for the purpose of operating all products and services bearing Jamaica’s most famous son’s name and image. Only last November, action sports label Billabong signed a deal with Marley & Co to collaborate on the Billabong X Bob Marley Collection. The line consists of boardshorts, T-shirts, tank tops and selected accessories. The Billabong X Bob Marley collection is made using premium recycled and organic materials, supporting environmentally safe products.
“Working with the Marley family to interpret their vision of their father onto our garments has been inspiring,” notes Billabong Design Director Rob McCaty. “Cedella and Ziggy (Marley) have provided great insight to make this collaboration a success.”
The Marley Collection is prominently
featured in all Billabong
shop windows throughout the world.
Bob Marley may well be looking down with pride at the entrepreneurial savvy displayed by his children who have taken what he has created and managed to “Catch a Fire” in different arenas. They certainly haven’t sat on their laurels and relied solely on record royalties flowing in.
Bringing in the Champ, Lennox Lewis
The Caribbean market has not escaped Marley Coffee’s attention and here they have elicited the help of Brew Brothers, which is run by the Dadlani family.
“The Dadlani family represent the Cartier brand in Jamaica,” said Vaswani. “They know how to represent and position a brand. We want our coffee to be presented in the same way as a luxury item is. To that end, we are not driven by price but rather by quality. We are now in the Caves, Tryall, Round Hill and Good Hope. We want to create a number of different price points while at the same time not sacrificing quality. We have plans for our bags to be stitched and made in Trench Town so people in that community can earn an income.
“Right now, 80 per cent of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is exported to Japan. We want to go the opposite direction and then look at the Japanese market, when it is ready for us. We want to enter that market properly and do so with experience in place of other substantial markets,” explained Vaswani.
Former boxing heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who has a residence in Jamaica, has come on board as a shareholder in Marley Coffee and is excited about its potential and the progress made thus far. He will serve as an ambassador of the brand.
“Lennox Lewis is one of the best heavyweight champions the world has ever seen,” said Vaswani. “He moved back to Jamaica and wanted to put his name and presence behind a Jamaican company. He chose Marley Coffee and he is wholeheartedly behind it and is an important shareholder. Marley Coffee is comprised of Rohan Marley and the Marley family, Lennox Lewis, myself, the Sharp family (Jason and Richard), and Shane Whittle.”
Listing on the OTC Stock Exchange
Last year, Rohan Marley listed Jammin Java on the US OTC Stock Exchange, coming in at an initial share price of 15 cents. Today, the share price stands at US$1.54 and Jammin Java coffee boasts a market cap of US$104 million. There are now plans to open two coffee shops — one at the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road in Kingston, the other in Austria. The shops should be open to the public sometime next year. The idea is to have one location per country rather than attempting to emulate the Starbucks model.
“We want to create the entire coffee-making experience for our customers. We are working with the Scharf family (who have over 1,000 coffee shops across Europe) where they have created a simulator which will enable people to come into our shops and see the coffee being picked and the farm at work. We also want to introduce streaming and video conferencing. Bob Marley’s Facebook page has 23 million friends and so the power of social networking cannot be ignored.
“The next stage for Marley Coffee is to launch our distribution network in Jamaica. We will hit the streets with all our SKUs and look to build relationships. We have recently completed a distribution deal to take Marley Coffee into the UK and Ireland. Who knows, we may even list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange some time soon,” said Marley.
Hot in the Marley Coffee Blog
Did you know we have a coffee farm??
Starting With The Basics…
Tags: #MarleyCoffee, #JamminJava, #JamaiicanObserver, #RohanMarley, #BobMarley, #LaurynHill, #ShaneWhittle, #cofeeblogs, #farming, #businessnews, #celebritygossip, #twitter, #music, #reggae, #legends, #alEdwards, #otc, #janiceshell, thestreetsweeper, #fairtrade, #organiccoffee, #gourmetcoffee, #advertising,#yahoofinance, #branding, #stockpromotion, #startups, #hotstocks, #investments,
45 Ways to Feel Happier via [MillionLooks]
45 Ways to Feel Happier
Posted byVeronica Valter
Depression is modern social evil. We get depressed of so many things that often the whole life seems to be the source of misery. But is everything really so bad or we just take it that seriously? I believe it is our wrong perception of reality that makes us feel depressed. And that means by changing the perception we can change the way feel. Doing this is quite easy. Read 45 ways to feel happier and try at least 10 of them to achieve the goal.
happy woman
1. Go for a walk every day and spend no less than 20-30 minutes in the open air. When I say ‘go for a walk’ it means you should just walk, with no purpose, and enjoy the process. Hurrying to the office or the supermarket doesn’t count.
2. Spend at least 8 hours for sleep that is essential for the organism to function well. You’ll feel more optimistic when you wake up.
sleeping girl
3. Find time for listening to soft music, meditating, dreaming. While doing that forget about your problems and just think positively.
4. Don’t restrict yourself with socializing with people of your age only. Talk to children and old people and you will see how different visions of life can be. Life will seem brighter and more interesting to you!
talk to people of different age
5. Spend some time alone. Sit in a quiet place and concentrate on your feelings and sensations. Do it daily.
6. Participate in games, both mind and active ones. Play ball with your child, do crosswords, find something that’s different from what you do on the regular basis.
7. Learn a foreign language. Listen to songs in it, watch films. If you feel it necessary start teaching a language you already know. You’ll have a chance to talk to people that do not belong to your usual social sphere.
8. Forgive everybody for everything. The main thing here is to forgive people in your soul. You don’t have to tell everyone that you’ve forgiven them, do it for yourself.
9. Don’t try to forget your sadness by working hard. This won’t help. According to Freud it will just sublimate but in the end you’ll start to hate your job.
10. Go to a club, dance, make new friends.
11. When you wake in the morning don’t jump up from the bed. Lie for a while, luxuriate and dream about your good future.
12. Introduce three ‘E’s into your life: Enthusiasm, Energy and Empathy.
entertain friends
13. Become the soul of your company, try to entertain your close people, familiars and even strangers. You’ll have some great fun!
14. Read more books. Don’t think that only losers read books. Education and erudition are valuable now. Besides, you’ll enjoy opening new worlds.
15. Experts say you must have good breakfast and lunch while dinner isn’t that important. This is right, of course, but each organism is different. So, it’s you who knows best when to eat and what to eat. Indulge yourself with delicacies from time to time.
woman eating chocolate
16. Don’t focus on things you already own for a long time. Try something new: makeup, perfume, clothing, etc. It will make you happy, believe me!
17. Don’t remember about bad incidents in your past and don’t remind people around you about those. Live here and now.
forget about incidents
18. Want to talk? Call your friends (even if you haven’t talked to them for ages). Ask how they are doing, what the news is. It will help you feel involved, and get along with others.
19. Smile if you feel sad. Do it even if it requires lots of effort. It will improve your mood.
20. If you have a chance, eat fruit right from trees, vegetables – from patches, and milk from cows. Experts say that it’s isolation from nature that is the source of our problems and dissatisfaction with life.
fruit
21. Drink more water.
22. If you can’t change the situation leave it as it is and don’t worry. Once I’ve read one man’s statement that made me think about worrying differently. He said: “If I’m being operated it’s surgeon who has to worry, not me. I can’t do anything.”
23. Take aroma baths, indulge yourself with aroma candles and spa procedures.
24. Draw! Don’t say you can’t. Now any pictures are considered creative.
25. Start watching an interesting serial and you’ll have a few happy nights.
park
26. Change the environment. Walk in places you have never walked, visit another city. If you can afford traveling find time for that.
27. Be closer to nature – lie on the grass, in the snow, sand; bathe in the sea or river; pick berries and mushrooms.
be close to nature
28. Visit concerts, exhibitions, cinemas – in brief, be a part of society.
29. No one will make you happy except you.
30. Get rid of hatred. What’s the sense in spending your life for hating someone?
31. Don’t be too exacting to yourself. If you can’t do something today, you’ll do it tomorrow.
woman laughing
32. Find strength to laugh at your own mistakes the way you’ll laugh at others’.
33. Learn to wait patiently until the problem is solved and think positively.
34. Sometimes to win you have to lose. Think about it.
35. You are not ‘other people’ and you shouldn’t always compare yourself to others.
36. Don’t overdo. Define feasible tasks, achieve them and feel happy about it.
shopping
37. Spending money on yourself is both pleasant and useful!
38. Only worthless people have no enemies. The more you’ve achieved the more secret and obvious enemies you have.
39. You have to be able to quit a bad job, leave off a boring book, stop chatting to people that irritate you. You have just one life and one shouldn’t spend it for minor things.
40. Envy is useless. You already have everything or will have everything you need in life.
41. Call your parents, family and relatives more often.
42. Give people presents, give them a part of yourself and they will reply you with the same.
give presents
43. Find a new hobby for yourself: dancing, embroidery, making plastic jewelry, etc.
44. Get yourself a pet that will make you happy each time you come home.
45. Remember you have all the best ahead of you!!!
Tags: #millionlooks, #veronicavalter, #happiness, #joy, #selfimprovement,
OPULUXE Lifestyle Design™ Quick& Decadent Last- Minute Father’s Day Gifts
Last-minute Father’s Day luxury gifts via Liberty, Luxuo, and Elite Traveler
Father’s Day is almost upon us, but there’s still time to make sure your Dad’s day is extra special. We’ve picked out the most luxurious of gifts that he’s sure to love, find something perfect for your pop now in our Father’s Day Shop. Or if he’s a true adventurer at heart, treat him with our ultimate travellers gifts…
1. Globe, £120
2. Airplane Desk Accessory by Troika, £27
3. Wicker iPhone Sleeve by Liberty London for Apple, £50
4. Places to Remember Notebook by Leathersmith of London, £30.50
5. Leather Weekend Bag by Calabrese, £515
6. Facial Fuel Moisturiser by Kiehl’s, £30.50
Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world June 19, meaning there’s less than a week to pick something to show you really care. Here a selection of some of our favorite guy-friendly items.
Kodak Playsport G2
Launched in January this year, the Playsport G2 is purpose-built for Dads who want to capture the action, no matter where they are.
Capture photos and HD videos using the compact unit, safe in the knowledge that it’s water-, dust- and shock-proof.
£149.99/$149.95/€179.99 – http://www.kodak.com
Otis Batterbee Luxury Travel Pillow
Sleep in comfort and style when on the go with these luxury travel pillow from Otis Batterbee.
Finished in three deluxe soft wool fabrics, patterns available include Prince of Wales Check, Grey Pinstripe and Mono Spot, with a burgundy velvet backing.
£75/€95/$125 – http://www.otisbatterbee.com
BlackBerry Playbook
Available in the US since April, BlackBerry’s PlayBook makes its debut in Europe this month, launching in the UK June 16.
The 425 gram tablet is ideal for busy travelers and is available with a host of exclusive accessories, but make sure to preload it with the Blackberry Travel app.
From £399/$499 – http://www.blackberry.com
Bottega Veneta Nero Intecciato VN Credit Card Case
With six slots and an open compartment, this unisex luxury credit card case is perfect for traveling light and staying organized.
Available in black or brown – $240/£145 – http://www.bottegaveneta.com
Weber Q100
Enable Dad to take the BBQ anywhere with the Weber Q100 mobile grill.
With built-in carry-handles and thermometer, a fold-out table and push-button ignition, it’s perfect for chefs with a sense of adventure.
Rolling carry cases are available separately.
$159/€214 – http://www.weber.com
Redfoot Men’s Shoes
Redfoot’s patented folding shoes have already proved a hit with women, but the brand’s split-sole Redfoot Man loafers are also ideal for the gent who likes to travel light.
The shoes are available in Seal Black and Chestnut Brown and come with a lightweight nylon wallet for easy storage.
£110/€165/$176 – http://www.redfootman.com
FitFolio iPad Case
Speck’s FitFolio adds rear-protection to the iPad2 while maintaining all of the smart cover functionality, making it perfect for toughening the ever-popular tablet.
Available in Black, Red and Grey.
£32.95/€39.95/$39.95 – http://www.speckproducts.com
Bear Grylls Ultimate Tool
Good enough for the king of adventures himself, the Ultimate Tool features 12 components and a texturized rubber handle for comfort.
The six inch ‘king of tools’ includes needle nose pliers, a fine edge knife, two screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a saw and a pair of wire cutters.
£49.99 – http://www.firebox.com / $57.99 – http://bear.gerbergear.com
Rosetta Stone Version 4 TOTALe
An unusual but surprisingly satisfying gift, Rosetta Stone’s language courses allow students to learn a new language quickly and easily.
The latest version of the award-winning software is available in over 20 languages from Arabic to Turkish and comes with a free iPad app for learning on the move.
From £139/$179 – http://www.rosettastone.com
Tags: #Liberty, #Luxuo, #Elite Traveler,#Luxury Father’s Day Gifts,#Father’sDay 2011,
Just Wash Him “Into” Your Hair with 5 NEW Intoxicating Sexy Scented Shampoos via [InStyle]
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