Vale Vincenzo Sandalj, an icon of Italian coffee

The President of Sandalj Trading Company, Vincenzo Sandalj, had died suddenly, according to a statement made by the company on 2 July. The exact cause of death is not yet known and the date of the funeral shall be communicated by the company in due course. Mr Sandalj generously and actively contributed to the promotion of the Italian espresso coffee culture at a worldwide level. Born in Trieste, Mr Sandalj took control of the company from his late father in 1979 thus creating the Sandalj Trading Company, which now has 1000 clients in more than 50 countries. Mr Sandalj had a distinguished career in the coffee business, holding positions such as Trade Advisor at the International Coffee Organisation and European representative of the International Relations Committee for the Specialty Coffee Association of America. He also participated in the United Nations and World Trade Organization project for the Development of Gourmet Coffee potential. Mr Sandalj was a founding member, Director and President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe in 2003 and 2004, and author of the book Coffee – A Celebration of Diversity, which was translated into seven different languages. He was also member of the Board in the Cup of Excellence, President of the Associazione Caffè Trieste and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia. The Board of Directors and the entire Sandalj team have pledged to ensure that Vinko Sandalj’s ideas and philosophy will be accomplished and carried out in full.