Direct trade relationships

Not all coffees are created equal and of all the coffee in the world we only source the highest quality available. To obtain this quality we trade with small estates and co-ops that are sustainably managed with high standards of agricultural practice and who demonstrate social and economic return to their communities. We establish direct relationships with these growers and exporters and by virtue of the quality of their product and farming methods pay the premium price they rightly command for their coffee. This kind of relationship promotes open discussion about quality and price requirements in a fair and mutually agreeable way.

We regularly visit coffee farmers, millers and exporters in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific to secure the continual quality and supply we require and see how excellent coffee is brought to market. There is always something to learn about the different farming methods, customs and conditons around the production and sale of coffee.

These trips also allow us to see firsthand that the above market prices we pay for quality coffee is benefitting coffee communities. Meeting the growers face to face, seeing where their beans are grown, who picks and processes them and cupping coffee together further strengthens the genuine intent of our supply relationships.

Direct trade is mutually rewarding and has become our way of buying coffee.