English Rewind - 6 Minute English: The story behind coffee ☕

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English, hosts Rob and Neil delve into the world of coffee, discussing its evolution from instant to a global lifestyle trend led by giants like Starbucks. They explore the complex coffee market, which is the second-largest commodity after oil, impacting farmers worldwide. The conversation highlights the vulnerability of growers to market fluctuations and the efforts of some organizations to ensure fair profit distribution. The episode also features insights from a food journalist and a small plantation owner in Costa Rica, emphasizing the importance of the entire coffee production process, from field to cup.

Takeaways

• 📢 The script is from a BBC Learning English podcast called '6 Minute English', first aired in April 2015.
• 🚀 The topic of discussion is coffee, the world's most popular drink, and its evolution from instant coffee to a lifestyle trend.
• 🌎 Coffee is the second biggest commodity globally, with its price fluctuating constantly due to market speculation.
• 💰 The coffee market's volatility significantly impacts farmers in countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Brazil, making them vulnerable to market changes.
• 🌾 Food journalist Sheila Dillon emphasizes the profound effect of coffee market dynamics on local growers and entire national economies.
• 🏠 The term 'provide for' refers to farmers having sufficient income to support their families comfortably.
• 📊 The quiz question in the podcast asks about the annual global consumption of coffee cups, with the correct answer being 400 billion.
• 📈 Despite high coffee prices, not everyone in the industry benefits due to the varying distribution of profits.
• 🌱 Some organizations are attempting to distribute profits more equitably by managing the entire coffee production process from field to shop.
• 🌿 These organizations often farm organically and create jobs within the local community, making them less susceptible to market fluctuations.
• 📦 Leo Virmani, a small plantation owner in Costa Rica, discusses the importance of controlling the entire coffee production process, from growing to packaging, to ensure profitability.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the 6 Minute English programme discussed in the script?

The main topic of the 6 Minute English programme is coffee, its market, and the impact of coffee markets on local growers.

What is the significance of coffee as a commodity in the world market?

Coffee is the second biggest commodity in the world after oil, which means the price of coffee is subject to constant changes due to speculation in commodity markets.

How does the coffee market affect farmers in countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Brazil?

Farmers in these countries are extremely vulnerable to the deals made in commodity markets far from their farms, which can impact their livelihoods and the stability of their communities.

What does the expression 'makes waves' used by Sheila Dillon mean in the context of the coffee market?

The expression 'makes waves' means to have a significant or far-reaching effect, indicating that changes in the coffee market can greatly impact economies and communities around the globe.

What is the quiz question posed by the hosts of the programme, and what was Neil's guess?

The quiz question is about the number of cups of coffee drunk worldwide each year, with options being 38 billion, 400 billion, or 950 billion. Neil guessed 38 billion.

What is the correct answer to the quiz question about the number of cups of coffee consumed worldwide annually?

The correct answer is 400 billion cups of coffee consumed worldwide each year.

Why might a high coffee price not necessarily benefit everyone involved in the business?

A high coffee price does not guarantee benefits for everyone because it depends on how the profits are distributed among the various parties involved in the coffee supply chain.

What is the term used to describe farming that employs a lot of people and creates jobs within the local community?

The term used to describe such farming is 'labour intensive'.

How do small-scale projects that take charge of the whole process from field to shop help local growers?

These projects help local growers by providing them with more control over the supply chain, allowing them to be profitable despite market fluctuations and creating jobs within the local community.

What verb does Leo Virmani use to describe the action of putting coffee in a box before selling it?

Leo Virmani uses the verb 'package' to describe this action.

What does the term 'profitable' mean in the context of the small plantations mentioned in the script?

In this context, 'profitable' means that the small plantations can maintain profits or make money, ensuring the sustainability of their operations.

Outlines

00:00

📻 Introduction to 6 Minute English and Coffee Discussion

The script begins with an introduction to the 6 Minute English program, which was first broadcast in April 2015 on the BBC Learning English website. The hosts, Rob and Neil, greet each other and set the stage for the day's topic: coffee. They discuss different types of coffee, such as the skinny latte and flat white, and the evolution of coffee from instant to a trendy lifestyle statement, thanks to giants like Starbucks and Costa Coffee. The conversation touches on the complexity behind the coffee industry, being the second largest commodity after oil, and the vulnerability of coffee farmers due to fluctuating market prices and the distance from commodity markets.

05:00

🌐 Impact of Coffee Market on Global Growers

This paragraph delves into the impact of the coffee market on local growers around the world. Food journalist Sheila Dillon explains how the coffee market's fluctuations can 'make waves' globally, affecting entire national economies and the livelihoods of individual farmers. The discussion highlights the vulnerability of farmers in countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Brazil, who are at the mercy of commodity market deals far from their lands. The segment also introduces the quiz question regarding the annual global consumption of coffee cups and hints at the significant profits in the coffee industry, not necessarily benefiting all parties involved.

📈 Coffee Profits and Small-Scale Farming Solutions

The script addresses the misconception that high coffee prices automatically benefit everyone in the industry. It explains that profits depend on distribution, and despite a good harvest, a grower's income may remain stagnant or even decrease due to the numerous transactions in the supply chain. The conversation shifts to small-scale projects that take a holistic approach to coffee production, from field to shop, which can provide more control and stability for growers. These projects often involve organic farming and are 'labour intensive,' creating jobs within local communities and shielding them from market volatility. The segment features an interview with Leo Virmani, who runs a small plantation in Costa Rica, discussing the importance of packaging and maintaining profitability.

🏆 Conclusion and Quiz Answer Reveal

The final paragraph wraps up the discussion by revealing the answer to the quiz question about the annual consumption of coffee cups worldwide, which is a staggering 400 billion cups, far exceeding the initial guess of 38 billion. The hosts reflect on the importance of being mindful of the politics and economics behind the coffee production process. They remind listeners to visit the BBC Learning English website for more programs and sign off with a farewell, marking the end of the 6 Minute English episode.

Keywords

💡Coffee

Coffee is the central theme of the video, being the world's most popular drink. It is a brewed beverage prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. The script discusses the evolution of coffee consumption from instant to specialty drinks, and the impact of the coffee market on global economies and individual farmers.

💡Skinny Latte

A Skinny Latte is a type of coffee drink that is a latte with non-fat milk instead of whole milk or cream, thus reducing the calorie content. It is mentioned in the script as an example of the variety of coffee drinks available today, reflecting the sophistication and personalization in coffee consumption.

💡Flat White

A Flat White is a coffee drink that originated in Australia and New Zealand, made with espresso and microfoam, which is steamed milk with a small amount of foam on top. It is used in the script to illustrate the diverse coffee culture and the personal preferences of consumers.

💡Commodity

A commodity is a basic good used in commerce that is interchangeable with other goods of the same type. Coffee is referred to as the second biggest commodity in the world after oil in the script, highlighting its economic significance and the impact of market fluctuations on its price.

💡Speculate

To speculate means to engage in the buying and selling of financial instruments (such as stocks or coffee futures) with the hope of profiting from price changes, without the intention of taking physical delivery of the commodity. The script mentions that the price of coffee changes every day, even every hour, due to speculation by traders.

💡Fluctuations

Fluctuations refer to the rise and fall in value or level of something, such as the price of a commodity. In the context of the script, fluctuations in the coffee market can greatly affect the livelihood of coffee farmers and the stability of national economies.

💡Vulnerable

Vulnerable means being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or in an economic context. The script describes coffee farmers as vulnerable due to their dependence on the volatile commodity market, which can affect their income and ability to support their families.

💡Makes Waves

The expression 'makes waves' is used metaphorically in the script to indicate that the coffee market has a significant impact on a global scale. It suggests that changes in the coffee market can create widespread effects, influencing economies and communities.

💡Labour Intensive

Labour intensive refers to a process or industry that requires a significant amount of human labor to accomplish tasks. The script mentions that organic farming, which is often chosen by small-scale coffee growers, is labour intensive, creating jobs and supporting local communities.

💡Package

To package something means to put it into a container for sale or distribution. In the script, the verb 'package' is used by Leo Virmani to describe the final step in the coffee production process at his small plantation, emphasizing the control over the entire supply chain from field to consumer.

💡Profitable

Profitable means producing a profit or financial gain. The script discusses the challenges faced by small coffee growers in maintaining profitability despite the volatility of the coffee market, and how some have managed to do so by controlling the entire production process.

Highlights

The programme discusses the evolution of coffee from instant to a lifestyle trend led by giants like Starbucks and Costa Coffee.

Coffee is the world's second biggest commodity after oil, with prices fluctuating constantly based on speculation.

Farmers in coffee-producing countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Brazil are vulnerable to the volatile coffee market.

Sheila Dillon, a food journalist, explains how the coffee market's impact 'makes waves' around the globe, affecting entire national economies.

The term 'provide for' is used to describe how farmers generate enough income to support their families.

The quiz question asks how many cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each year, with options ranging from 38 billion to 950 billion.

Despite high coffee prices, not everyone in the industry benefits due to the distribution of profits and numerous transactions in the supply chain.

Commodity traders may receive most of the profits, leaving individual coffee growers with little control and smaller earnings.

Some organizations are attempting to distribute profits more widely by managing the entire process from field to shop.

Small-scale projects that farm organically and are 'labour intensive' create jobs and shield growers from market fluctuations.

Leo Virmani from Costa Rica discusses his small plantation's approach to the entire coffee production process, from growing to packaging.

The verb 'package' is used to describe the process of preparing coffee for sale by putting it in a box or packet.

Despite global market challenges, small growers can remain 'profitable' by controlling the entire production process.

The hosts encourage listeners to consider the politics of coffee production the next time they buy a takeaway coffee.

The correct answer to the quiz question is revealed: 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each year.

Key vocabulary from the programme is reviewed, including 'commodity', 'speculate', 'fluctuations', 'vulnerable', 'make waves', 'provides for', 'labour intensive', 'package', and 'profitable'.

Transcripts

Hello! The programme you're about to listen to

was first broadcast in April 2015 on the BBC Learning English website.

For more English language learning programmes and podcasts,

search for BBC Learning English.

6 Minute English

from BBC Learning English.

Hello, I'm Rob. Welcome to 6 Minute English.

With me today is Neil. Hello, Neil.

Hello, Rob!

In this programme, we're going to be talking about coffee.

Mm, coffee. I've actually got one here in front of me, Rob.

Oh, right! What kind of coffee are you drinking?

It's a skinny latte. And what's that that you've got?

Well, I've gone for a flat white today. Mm, that tastes good.

Mm, looks good too!

The market for the world's most popular drink

has come a long way since the days of instant coffee,

when we just added boiling water to some brown powder.

Yes, that's very true, Neil.

After that came the giants like Starbucks and Costa Coffee

who made coffee drinking trendy and a lifestyle statement.

People are far more aware of what they're drinking these days.

Mm, but, Rob, I don't think we should forget

what lies behind the coffee we enjoy every day. It's a hugely complicated business.

Yes, it's the second biggest commodity in the world, after oil.

That means the price of coffee is changing every day, every hour even,

as traders speculate about the price.

And it means farmers in countries like Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Brazil

are dependent on the deals that are made

in commodity markets thousands of miles from their farms.

It makes them extremely vulnerable.

Let's listen to food journalist Sheila Dillon

as she explains the impact of coffee markets on local growers.

She uses an expression that means 'has a big effect'.

Can you tell me what it is?

What happens in the coffee market makes waves around the globe.

Entire national economies depend on the price of coffee.

It's the key to whether individual farmers can provide for their families,

face unemployment

and ultimately whether whole communities stay on the land or trek to the cities.

She said 'makes waves'. This means 'have a big effect'.

She also used the expression 'provide for' their families.

This means the farmer's family have enough income to live comfortably.

Good. Right. So, what about our quiz question today?

Neil, do you know many cups of coffee are drunk worldwide each year?

Is it a) 38 billion? b) 400 billion? Or c) 950 billion?

Well, it's going to be a huge number, of course,

but I still think I'll go for the lowest figure, which is 38 billion.

OK, well, we'll see if you've got the answer right at the end of the programme.

Now, the price of coffee has 'soared' - that means 'gone up quickly' -

in recent years, Rob.

Surely that's good for everyone involved in the business?

I believe the profit margins for coffee are amongst the highest in the world.

I can't see what all the fuss is about.

Well, Neil, just because the price is high,

it doesn't mean that everyone benefits.

It all depends on how the profits are distributed.

You see, there are countless transactions between the grower and the drinker.

A grower can have a really good crop,

but the amount he makes stays the same, or can even fall.

Mm, I see the problem.

I expect most of the profits go to the commodity traders

and very little to the individual growers of the bean.

It sounds like the growers have no control.

That's what happens in other agricultural sectors.

I'm afraid so.

Of course, some people are trying to distribute the profits more widely

and they have been having some success.

Yes, I heard about some small-scale projects

where the company takes charge of the whole process from field to shop.

Yes, these organisations tend to farm organically.

This is very 'labour intensive' — that means a lot of people are employed —

and it creates a lot of jobs for people within the local community.

In this way, they are not victims of market fluctuations.

Let's listen to Leo Virmani, who runs a small plantation like this in Costa Rica.

What's the verb he uses for putting the coffee in a box before selling it?

For our plantation, the approach we have is to go through every step of the way,

every step of the process, so that we grow it, we pick it, we process it in the mill.

Then eventually, we'll roast it, we'll package it,

and we sell it as the small plantation we are.

And that would allow us to stay, or be, profitable at the end of the day.

So, he used the verb 'package',

which means put a product in a packet or box before selling it.

And he said his community can stay 'profitable' —

this means they can always maintain profits or make money.

Well, it's good to know that small growers can live reasonably comfortably,

despite what the world markets are doing.

The next time I grab a takeaway coffee,

I'll try to remember all the politics involved in the production process.

Yes, me too. So, shall we have the answer to the quiz question now?

Yes. You asked me how many cups of coffee are drunk worldwide each year:

38 billion, 400 billion or 950 billion?

And I guessed 38 billion.

Mm, I'm afraid you're wrong.

The answer is actually 400 billion.

No way. That's incredible.

Yes, it's an extraordinary statistic.

Well, we're almost out of time,

so let's remind ourselves of some of the words we've said today. Neil.

Commodity, speculate, fluctuations,

vulnerable, make waves,

provides for, labour intensive,

package, profitable.

Well, that's it for today.

Do visit BBC Learning English dot com to find more 6 Minute English programmes.

— Until next time, goodbye! — Bye!

6 Minute English.

From BBC Learning English.