Every day, throughout Latin America we receive coffee from our network of over 4,000 farmer partners. We analyse the physical quality and if it meets the standard, we cup it. The lots are then categorised according to cup quality, with a corresponding price associated with each category – the better the quality, the higher the price paid. Farmers receive feedback on the cup score and how it affects the buying price, so that they can go back to their farms and continuously improve.

Once assessed, the small lots are sorted into quality grades depending on their cup score, profile and region, and are then assembled into larger lots which we call sets.  Where a lot scores over 86 points, it is separated and kept as a microlot, not only rewarding the producer with a much higher price, but also with personal recognition, establishing his/her name amongst coffee consumers around the world.

This detailed process has enabled us to create our own brands; community lots (or colectivos) assembled with coffee from a specific area with a compelling and unique story. Most importantly, the model enables us to deliver consistently tasting great coffee which roasters can repeatedly buy, while adhering to a particular budget, quality level and taste profile.

Since 2002, when we opened our first export operation in Colombia, we have focused exclusively on sourcing high quality coffee from Latin America.  Today, we have our own sourcing and exporting operations in 7 countries, from Mexico to Peru. 

With teams on the ground in each of these countries, as well as our import operations in Australia, UK, USA and Taiwan, we control the supply chain from the farm-gate to the roasters door, being able to efficiently deliver a wide selection of coffees to satisfy any coffee roasters needs, be it a consistent blend component, a single-origin with a unique story or an exotic microlot with exciting flavors. 

We have chosen to work primarily with small-holder farmers, as these famers tend to consistently produce some of the best coffees available but traditionally had to sell their coffee to intermediaries or coyotes, never being able to earn full value for their coffees. 

To guarantee the quality and consistency of every single bag we sell, and to pay each grower what they deserve, we separate each lot we purchase and perform rigorous physical and cup quality controls, grading coffees according to cup quality, profile and region.  This also allows us to provide full transparency and traceability to our roaster partners, ensuring a fair game for all.