0

Alun Evans

Male

Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia

Profile Information:

What is your position in the coffee industry?: coffee shop owner, coffee roaster, coffee grower, home barista, industry professional, service tech/repair, supplier
Where are you located? ( City and Country ): With the new year upon us, its time to announce a few changes! I am splitting myself into 3 and will be spending not too much time in Indonesia in 2009 as we have 2 off-shore projects that I will be looking after pretty much full time. So... depending on the IP address I am either in Singapore, New Zealand or relaxing somewhat in Indonesia!!
How many years have you been in the industry?: 15+
If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?: yes
Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.: A coffee roaster (with 11 cafes+3 roasteries) located in a pioneering region of the specialty coffee world- and one located so close to so many unique and famous origins. Experience with a huge number of Indonesian origins- travelled all over North and West Sumatra, Java, Bali (tough that one!), Sumbawa, Sumba, Flores, East and West Timor, Papua, Sulawesi and Kalimantan (Borneo). Working with direct, sustainable trade with small holders all over Indonesia. A number of challenges that mean you will never have a dull day, hour, minute...or even second!!

These days our cafe and roasting businesses are spread between Jakarta, Indonesia; Hong Kong, China and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?: Europe (any), USA (lived in Colorado for a while back in 89/90 love going back), Africa- especially South Africa,Botswana (thanks Alexander Mcall Smith!) Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Yemen. Always enjoy trips back to New Zealand: especially to home town Wellington. Always enjoy my trips to Italy- want to work on my Italian and also Spanish for some future plans ;p
About Me:: Fulfilling a lifelong, caffeine fuelled passion; I have been working full-time with Indonesian Coffee since 2004. With my wife Arlini, Merdeka Coffee is determined to develop and showcase Indonesian Arabica coffees here and overseas. Merdeka Coffee conducts frequent tours around coffee growing areas, as well as running various education programs. From late 2008 my focus is actually on project work outside Indonesia- the company is being run by a team of well trained local management.

The company works with a number of small-hold growers around Indonesia. I drink 15 espresso shots a day and can be contacted day or night! (explains why I am on soooo much at such odd hours!)
About My Company:: Merdeka Coffee (or "Freedom Coffee" in Indonesian) is a boutique coffee company dedicated to the sourcing, selection and roasting of the best Indonesian coffees. "Kemerdekaan atau mati..."Freedom or Die" was the battle call of the Soekarno led independence movement in the 1940s. Our clients are individuals, institutions and wholesalers who share our vision for exceptional coffee obtained through fair & equitable local trade relationships.

At Merdeka Coffee we believe in developing partnerships with small hold growers and farmers, both at plantation and village level. This is why we use "merdeka"...freedom for the farmers we work with. A percentage of our profits are shared with our Indonesian partners in order for them to develop their communities, their coffee expertise and to assist them promote environmental conservation.

Our retail arm is "Antipodean Coffee" with outlets in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. We have plans for openings in Penang, Bangalore and hopefully Abu Dhabi over the next 18 months. We retail in Sydney through Merdeka Coffee in the CBD
What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?: Dynamic change, working with a huge range of talented, interesting and knowlegeable people. The spontaneous nature of the business.
Website:: http://www.antipodeancoffee.com

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

David Donde

laying down the guantlet?

Jul 31, 2008
Astro!

Thank you sir!

Aug 1, 2008
ColinO

I would love to come visit! You mentioned in your last note that Indonesia was a bit of an under achiever in terms of relationship farming but do you think that it is something that they would be interested in? I have a ton more questions but I am in the process of moving so I will talk to you later.

Aug 1, 2008
Patricia Schroeder

Thanks! He is 2 1/2 months... isn't being a parent awesome? I feel like everything that used to not be exciting, now is. Like Easter egg hunts, riding a bike, and toys! lol! It's been a long time since I thought these things were interesting, having a little one creates that one-ness.

How is it going with Elijah?

Aug 1, 2008
ColinO

Hey Alun,
From what you say it seems like there is a lot of potential there. I am curious about what you think that it would take to get something going in terms of direct trade?
You mentioned that the growers need a lot of guidance, but I am just curious what you mean by that. Is it guidance in how the direct trade system works or is changing their general mind set as to how trade normally works?
What kind of coop do you have set up? Is it all based on roasters that are there in Java or are some of your members outside of Java? Have a good one.

Colin

Aug 5, 2008
Victor

Hey Alun, Thanks for adding me. Is photo no 10 is the small Luwak cat ? Feel free to contact me if you visit Malaysia :)

Aug 10, 2008
Michael Ross Canlas

Hi! Thanks for the warm welcome!

Aug 13, 2008
Louise

im in Plaza Indonesia, u know that place? wher is your location?

Aug 15, 2008
Louise

6 years actually. hehe.. do you roast your own coffee? its interesting.. for how many years you doing businness in here?

Aug 16, 2008
Jean

Hello!

How are things brewing? I am new here, just wanna make some coffee friends!

Double shot of Thanks!

Regards with crema,
Jean
-i HEART café-

Aug 17, 2008
Steve MacDowall

Hello Alun thanks for dropping by - Steve

Aug 17, 2008
Nikola Niki Zotic

Thanx for the add!!!Say Hi to your customer all the way from Macedonia!!!About Your question for SCAE?!-I'm going for exam for Level 2 in September,but November I have to go back to work,so unfortunately I wont be in Trieste-Italy.
Keep in touch!

Aug 18, 2008
Demian Luper

They pictures are from Chiapas. The UDEPOM co-op specifically. I'll have more up in the next few days.

Aug 18, 2008
Victor

Hey Alun,
Im always wonder that, what is the taste of Kopi Luwak. It is too expensive :)
What do you think about kopi luwak taste?

Aug 20, 2008
Victor

Kopi Luwak has the taste like digested egg or mouse? Oh my god !! :)

Aug 21, 2008
Alun Evans

Hey Victor, indeed it can taste "gamey"! No big fan. Maybe we should start a discussion in the forum on other peoples opinions?

Aug 21, 2008
Coffee Kids

Hey Alun,
Just wanted to see if that reporter ever contacted you. I never heard back from him, but was rather curious.

Hope all is well,
Kyle at Coffee Kids

Aug 28, 2008
Chris K

Alun, will be here most of ther year.
Hoping a trip to Sth America over Xmas.(If i have time)

Why?

Sep 8, 2008
Sean Hennessy

Cheers for the comment Alun (that sounds Welsh). I must say Indonesia is one of the countries on my 'must see list'. Planning to travel sometime in 2009 with the family so if you are still there will be in contact. You are definetely right when you say Wellington is the coffee capital of New Zealand and that comes from someone who comes from Auckland.

Sep 8, 2008
mike cubbage

hey alun, i saw that you were looking for a roasting apprentice. I'd love to get some more info from you. by the way your web page didn't work for me. thanks mike

Sep 10, 2008
Carlo Grenci

Ciao Alun,

of course You are welcome in Napoli !
I will be out to town during the Triestespresso fair, just please tell me in advance when exactly You plan to be here.

See You

carlo

Sep 11, 2008
mike cubbage

thanks alun, my resume is available online ... www.cultivate-being.com/resumecoffee. would love to hear more. thanks.

Sep 11, 2008
mike cubbage

sorry alun. .pdf at the end was missing.
so its http://www.cultivate-being.com/resumecoffee.pdf . i just tested it. sorry it didnt work. i just got back from coffeefest in seattle. good times. i would love to know more about the area there. the people/ languages spoken/ etc.
also take a look at my page. www.cultivate-being.com . i am trying to keep it up to date.
thanks

Sep 15, 2008
teresa pilarz

Hi Alun, Wow...you guys do it all over there. Your apprenticeship sounds like an amazing opportunity that I would love to go for...but at this moment in time, I can't be out of the country for that long. I wonder why it is that the few such opportunities I've encountered so far have been overseas. Ya know - the coffee industry is a tough nut to crack beyond barista jobs! Best wishes and thanks so much for posting.

Sep 16, 2008
Victor

Hi Alun, I am sure you have tried the Malaysia Chinese tradisional coffee (Kopi).

Did you try the "Old Town Coffee" as well? Any Commend ?

Sep 20, 2008
Ian McCarthy

Hello Alun. Hope your travels are going well. Did you by chance get my resume?

Sep 21, 2008
mike cubbage

Okay third time a charm. I emailed it to you. let me know how it went. thanks.

Sep 21, 2008
Nik

I know, i was looking around and saw how some parts of the state absolutly dominate this site. Great idea for a website though. Where in wellington and what specificly are you thinking of setting up? sounds exciting. Do you operate out of wellington at the moment?

Sep 22, 2008
BaristaOnDutY

How goes it my Big Brother, I wanna be like you when I grow Up!!

Sep 22, 2008
Kara MacDonald

Hi Alun, thanks for the add. I love what you are doing in the world. Wish more people could do that. There is so much bad info out there. Being from Seattle, I have seen and heard it all! Good on ya for the work you and your wife do. Yes Hubby is from lower hutt and the family is all in Wellington. I always say Wellington is like a smaller version of Seattle, but better. Some of the best coffee I have ever had has been from there, and I am a born and raised Seattlite! If you are ever in town, look us up! Everyone at Herkimer has a lot of experience and we always love to learn more. Cheers!

Sep 23, 2008
Senad Dervić-Senchy

Hey man,yes i am going to Trieste...Croatia team,and you...

Sep 24, 2008
Kerry Laird

Thanks Alun - and what sights and experiences should not be missed? I'm going with quite a few family members so coffee isn't the main focus in this case...

Sep 24, 2008
Hans Pronk

Hi Alun. cheeers for that, and based on the North Shore of Auckland in Albany. When you heading over flick me a message and I'll give you full details.

Sep 24, 2008
Alvaro Sanchez

Hello Alun. I spent 4 months in Indonesia and didn't come to check you out. I was kicking myself. Anyhow I am currently in Sri Lanka, will come back to Indo as soon as I get a chance. Here I am sourcing and roasting coffee trying to get good beans from the surviving plants left in the country.
Cheers

Sep 24, 2008
Neo

Hello,
Thanks for the comment. However, there's something i wish to point out. Although a lot peope love going to starbucks, but some(most?) people don't go there for coffee but to show that they are able to afford it.
yeah it's strange but it's ture.

Sep 26, 2008
Neo

Speaking of pioneers, there is a small roaster here.Although they don't make a fortune out of coffee, but they are still roasting fresh beans for us. I hope one day people start to realize how great coffee can be.

Sep 26, 2008
Neo

:O Coffeefest? Is it only for those in the industry?
I will certainly join if I can.

Sep 27, 2008
Neo

I just read the register confirmation email and it seems that I can't even enter because I'm under age lol

Sep 28, 2008
christos manousidis

Hi Alun.
I want to, but I do not know if I can make it. I have some certain obligations in these days where I still do not know if I can postpone in order to I accomplish. We will see…
You be there?

Sep 28, 2008
Neo

Hi Alun. I forgot to ask which booth in coffeefest will you be in?
Hope to meet you there.
Neo

Sep 29, 2008
Ken Palmer

When I got my chance to go to Sumatra there was a blood bath and my trip got cancelled so Indonesia is the last place for me to go

Sep 29, 2008
Ken Palmer

I would have went I have been in situations like that before but my client and the US government ACDI/VOCA would not allow it maybe soon. My son and Have always wanted to dive Micronesia

Sep 29, 2008
Don Heaberlin

Thanks Alun. Your pictures of Indonesia are great! Where are you located there and what is your primary business?

Oct 1, 2008
teresa pilarz

Hey Alun - you are just popping up everywhere I go on bx! How do you find time to do all this...read, comment, travel, run your business?? Amazing! If you're still planning to be in the Detroit area over the holidays and have any extra time, send me a note and I'll treat you to the best coffee I know of in the area. It would be great to spend an hour with an industry pro like u! Cheers!
Teresa

Oct 1, 2008
Don Heaberlin

Hi Alun. That is great - you are doing what I love to do and hear about others doing. I am working with some private roasters here in Colorado Springs and we are interested in buying some green beans. Your operation sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of work but at least it is a work of passion. I had a friend who used to do some work with some nonprofit organization over in Aceh. He is not over there any more he is in KL doing some business. I hope you are having a great day.

Oct 2, 2008
teresa pilarz

For sure...yes let's keep in touch. I'm sure I'll "run into you" quite a bit around here. Thanks for the add by the way. Your travels sound exciting! I'm headed to Costa Rica for the first time this November. Going to take lots of pics, and bone up on my Spanish. Talk to you later!

Oct 4, 2008
Tristram

hey thanks for the add. I see your very passionate about your south east asian coffees. Ive been interested in tasting some more coffees from that region. At the moment i am working with a PNG based blend. Would i get simalar flavours from other coffees in that region, specifically indo coffees?

Oct 7, 2008
Tristram

Im not exactly sure which PNGs i am using, due to the fact it is a blend supplied by campos coffee and they arent giving away their secrets quickly. Im just startingh to become more aware of the many differnt flavours of each single origins and im keen to try some of the south east asian coffees before venturing on to the african and south american origins. Id like to get into roasting futher down the track so i am sampling all assortments of coffees to try to aquire all different flavours of the different regions of the world.

Oct 7, 2008
Tristram

I may be planning a holiday back to bali some time next year so i might pop over, thanks for all the insight!

Oct 9, 2008
Al Sterling

Alun...very pleasant surprise hearing from Indonesia. A very close Chinese-Indonesian friend of mine was the one almost 20 years ago that introduced me to what little I know about the country. BTW, my son in law's Mom is originally from Wellington. They go back often and have home on the North end of the South Island. I haven't read yet, but do you get here to the West Coast? I'm close to the SCAA offices in Long Beach, and was lucky to attend the Long Beach Int. Show and the Seattle Fest. My core work has me traveling throughout the Western US, which is great for visiting coffee haunts.

Oct 13, 2008