In a series of episodes in Grey’s Anatomy, Merideth Grey revolutionizes medicine by 3D printing organs for sheep. Obviously Grey’s Anatomy is not a factual source by any means, but this case is a good example of how technology is rapidly changing the way things are being done in the global marketplace.

In order to keep up with their competitors, businesses are forced to constantly upgrade their technology. It is hard to believe the capabilities that some companies have using automation, drones, and 3D printing. In the case of the coffee industry, these products could totally change the game. A perfect example is the use of drones for door-to-door product distribution. For company like Doka that retails online and ships directly to the customer, a drone could drastically expedite this process and therefore increase profit. This type of technology can allow smaller businesses to gain the same outreach as large-scale corporations.

On the other hand, part of the attraction to buying from firms like Doka is the fact that they have maintained and perfected the same process for several years, hence holding the title of “Oldest Water Mill” in Costa Rica. The water mill is a traditional method of separating coffee cherries, with the good cherries sinking to the bottom of the container and the bad cherries floating to the top. This low-tech process has not kept Doka from achieving the reputation of superior coffee production. Not only is it more sustainable than newer methods, it also gives Doka a charming and genuine image in a marketing-sense.

It is interesting to determine in which instances new technology enhances agriculture, the oldest industry in the world. For smaller countries like Costa Rica, they sometimes have to keep up with the times in order to continue their rate of exports. I will learn more about these advances throughout this trip with each site that I visit.