Congratulations to this year’s CAC Award winners who were announced at our November Conference. Their achievements set a high bar for innovation, dedication, and excellence in the coffee industry.
Doug Eland
“Doug’s contributions have shaped the foundation of Canada’s green coffee industry — and his legacy will continue to influence the next generation of coffee professionals.” — CAC President, Robert Carter.
RFINE Biomass Solutions
“We’re truly grateful to be part of a community that celebrates sustainability and innovation in coffee — and this recognition reinforces our mission to make the coffee industry more sustainable.” — Quinn Cavanagh, President, RFINE BIomass Solutions
Café William
“This recognition underlines the daily commitment of our entire team to a more fair and environmentally friendly coffee.” — Rémi Tremblay, President, Cafe William.
Coffee Bike World
“This recognition is a powerful reminder that even a small idea, when fueled by passion and community, can grow far beyond expectations.” — Vladislav Priadko, Founder, Coffee Bike World.
Dave Ovenell
“Dave’s commitment and belief in collaboration make him an invaluable part of the CAC family — and a true ambassador for the Canadian coffee industry.” — CAC President, Robert Carter.
Coffee Industry Lifetime Achievement Award
Innovative Achievement of the Year
Small Chain — Big Impact Award
The CAC’s highest recognition for an individual whose extraordinary and ground-breaking contribution(s) has been a driving force of positive change and has had a significant, profound, and lasting impact on the coffee community.
This Award recognizes a company, product or service that the Canadian coffee industry widely views as a progressive achievement that will positively benefit the future of coffee. Bonus if there is a goodwill aspect (eg. charity component, environmental or sustainability impact)
A coffee business with a minimum of 3 and a maximum 40 locations in Canada that is creating a buzz in the industry – from a marketing, product innovation, diversity & inclusion, charitable or other perspective.
A coffee business that promotes sustainable practices with a focus on countries of origin, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally friendly coffee supply chain.
Time Period of Contribution
CAC Membership Required for Nominee?
Yes (unless by special exception)
- Made an outstanding and pioneering contribution to Canada’s coffee industry.
- Had a positive, measurable and lasting impact in their community.
- Made the industry better by driving forward change in areas such as social responsibility, equity, diversity, inclusion and promoting the industry.
- Created a game-changing Canadian product or service for the coffee industry.
- This innovation must make a significant positive impact on the coffee industry and add measurable value, such as reducing costs, enhancing the customer experience, promoting ethical or social change, sustainability, etc.
- This innovation is widely viewed as a progressive achievement.
- A small to medium sized coffee restaurant/café (3-40 locations) that is growing.
- This chain is making an impact and creating a buzz that is being noticed by the industry – be it through products, service, innovation, sustainability, leadership etc.
- Drives meaningful change and sets new standards for sustainability in the coffee industry.
- Examples can include a holistic approach with a comprehensive roadmap towards carbon neutrality and circularity; consumer and employee education and awareness; environmental impact analyses, etc.
