One of the first post-war Vietnamese commodities to become globally successful was its native coffee crop. Not sure of the whole story but getting that huge source online caused a drop in global prices. VN is still the number 2 or 3 coffee producer in the world, and VN beans are in all the major blends.
As for Chinese coffee that was originally produced to buy Soviet arms, I want nothing to do with it or with any other consumable Chinese product.
Another “surprise issue” for our bumbling Congress to deal with in 2008: proper country labeling for all imported food goods.
Interesting, thanks!
Absolutely; yet we have heard NOTHING mentioned about this issue on anyones campaign.
Currently, there is no requirement for any "American" company to list what ingredients in thier product came from where.
Our processed food supply is no longer secure, you'd be hard pressed to find ANY product on the store shelf that doesn't contain something made in China, with the exception of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh meats.
So, if you want to ensure that you aren't eating anything imported from china, stick to the fresh stuff, and even then be very careful, ask where it came from if it's not labeled.
I heard that Vietnam grows mostly robusto beans for companies such as Maxwell House and Folgers. The Arabica beans don’t seem to grow well there.