Our Sourcing Philosophy: How Do We Decide What Coffee To Roast

As a small independent coffee roaster, I wear every hat in the roastery. From designing the website and packaging, selecting green coffee and to roasting each batch with care, it's all in my hands. But before the beans ever hit the drum, one of the most important parts of the process happens behind the scenes: sourcing.

In today’s specialty coffee world, customers care more than ever about where their coffee comes from. And rightly so. That’s why I’ve built my sourcing philosophy around two key principles: quality and ethics. Let me walk you through what that means and how I ensure every bean I roast reflects both.

Why Ethically Sourced Coffee Beans Matter

When you drink a cup of specialty coffee, you’re tasting the result of months, sometimes years, of work by farmers, pickers, processors, and importers. It’s only fair that everyone in that chain is treated with respect and paid fairly.

That’s where ethically sourced coffee beans come in.

Ethical sourcing goes beyond price. It’s about:

  • Ensuring farmers are paid above market rates

  • Supporting environmentally responsible farming practices

  • Building long-term relationships that benefit producers and not just buyers

I partner only with importers who share these values. They have strong connections to farms and offer full traceability for every lot. This way, I can be confident that the coffees I buy are not only delicious, but also responsibly sourced.

Fair Trade vs Direct Trade: What's the Difference?

When people think of ethical coffee, Fair Trade is often the first term that comes to mind. While Fair Trade has helped raise awareness around farmer compensation, it's not without its limits.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Fair Trade Coffee

  • Requires farmers to join cooperatives and pay membership fees

  • Sets minimum prices for green coffee

  • Often lacks transparency beyond the cooperative level

  • Can limit access for small or independent producers

Direct Trade Coffee (What I Support)

  • Skips certification fees and layers of middlemen

  • Focuses on personal, long-term relationships with producers

  • Encourages transparency and traceability

  • Allows roasters like me to pay premiums directly to farmers

As a direct trade coffee roaster, I work with importers who maintain real relationships with coffee farmers. They visit farms regularly and build trust over time. This helps ensure that farmers earn more, have a voice in the supply chain, and can reinvest in their communities and land.

A One-Person Roastery, Built on Purpose

As a team of one, every decision I make reflects my personal values. I personally select every green coffee based on quality, sustainability, and traceability. I roast in small batches to bring out the best in every origin. There’s no automation and no shortcuts. Just hands-on craft.

There’s no marketing team or sourcing department behind this business. It’s just me doing my best to bring you coffee that’s as responsible as it is flavorful.

Transparency, Always

Every bag of coffee I sell includes:

  • Origin and farm details

  • Processing method

  • Varietal

  • Tasting notes

If I know it, you’ll know it. That’s my promise.

Why It Matters to You

By choosing coffee from a direct trade coffee roaster who focuses on ethically sourced coffee beans, you’re supporting:

  • Better wages and conditions for farmers

  • Higher quality coffee in your cup

  • A more sustainable and transparent coffee industry

In a world of mass-produced products and vague sourcing claims, choosing ethically sourced specialty coffee is a small but powerful act.

P.S. If you have questions about where your coffee comes from or how it’s sourced, reach out. I’m always happy to share more about the incredible producers I work with and the journey from farm to cup.

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