HOW TO CHOOSE A COFFEE SUPPLIER

How you like it, how to make it, and the coffee industry. Don’t focus on who you’ll choose and how and what and why just yet. Check out different local roasters and try their coffees. Go to as many coffee shops as you can and learn what you like, what you don’t like, what stands out to you, and what your impressions are. It doesn’t matter how amazing your roaster is, if you don’t enjoy their coffee, why would you sell it?

Get some coffee, try it out, ask about their values and vision, and start thinking about how a long-term relationship will look like. Really, just get to know them. Or you can hash out business in that first conversation.

What is important to you? Start to think of what you need in your supplier relationship and what factors are more meaningful than others. Think through these points and ask questions that will reveal what you need to know about them:

• Coffee stats- taste, quality, espresso blend, decaf options, popular roasts, storage, packaging, when they roast, cold brew options, etc.
• Delivery frequency- for freshness and supply
• Reliability- dependability, reputability
• Flexibility- response to coffee emergencies and problems
• Brand image- among customers and in the industry
• Company stats- history, values, get a sense of who they are
• Competitive advantage- what sets them apart from other roasters
• Farmer/trade relations
• Benefits/offerings- provided training & expertise, access to other suppliers, menu advice/recipes, equipment, etc.
• Availability/communication- ease of getting through to them via email, phone etc.
• Friendliness/helpfulness- willingness to help and support you by answering questions, giving advice, caring, being personally interested, someone you could work with longterm
• Price/volume discounts- depending on the roaster, and if this is priority to you. I’d avoid focusing too heavily on price because there are more important factors, but get a range as you’ll need to plan for costs.