Coffee beans, what to look for in suppliers?

System

Hello all,

I am new to this site and the industry but I want to do things right.  I live in a small city in FNQ, where in the highlands (not that high imo) they grow coffee and it can be bought freshly roasted. There are also places such as Lavazza where I can purchase products from.

Anyways, my question is.....  I have heard many different opinions from different suppliers on what beans to choose. Understandably, they want to make a sale but it leaves me confused.

I have been told by the local supplier that fresher is better, that places like Lavazza are no good because it

mattyj

You're right about freshness thing - but the words 'long shelf life' set off alarm bells in my head. I'd steer clear of Lavazza, but then I'm just a wanna-be home barista. There's big arguments about freshness, how fresh is too fresh, when is coffee stale and all that. To my tastes (and remember, this is entirely personal) I prefer coffee that came out of the roaster a few days ago. Some cafes here have that as standard, others let it rest for two weeks - which I find flat, bland, and a bit boring. But that's just me! The other thing I'd recommend (from my non-experience in this field) is finding a roaster who'll work with you - ie, one who is happy to work with you in making a blend that you (and your customers) will like, one who will give you good feedback and advice and all that, rather than one who just tells you how it is, without really answering your questions. I have no experience, but I know roasters who wil do that - unfortunately for you, they're in sydney. Good luck, if I'm ever in FNQ, let me know where you are and I'll pop in! ps: Fresh_Coffee is sure to respond - he'll be full of great advice for ya. I'm just filling in til then!

Trussell

are the local roasters just doing the local beans? or are they also roasting imports? from the aussie grown coffee i've had, the price and quality is not worth being able to say "it's aussie!!!" Not to say i don't support Australian made and owned products, but if you can find a local roaster who can give you an exclusive blend and has a selection of import grean beans, you can brag about having locally roasted coffee, with Australian  grown beans* *Australian beans make up under 20% of the blend you get the picture... :P

Unknown

From what I saw the local supplier had some imported beans but those blends were separate to the Australian beans. Thanks for the advice so far. It has been helpful. I will have to investigate further into what these suppliers around here can do for me. (Hopefully get around all the marketing hype) I will try find out how long ago they roast their beans before I get my hands on them, etc. Anything else I should know before I choose a supplier is appreciated. Thanks again -Wind

FreshCoffee2

Hello Wind, a couple of my thoughts for you: "....I am new to this site and the industry but I want to do things right.

Fastcar

Hi Wind, The important thing to remember is thast your relationship with your coffee supplier should be a partnership. It isn't like your relationship with your drygoods supplier ... It's not just about selling coffee. It's about supplying the REASON that your customers come back to your cafe. Make sure that the supplier offers good coffee, assistance with your espresso machine and grinder, technical assistance, training and marketing support. They will all promise everything to get your business, just make sure that they can deliver (esp in a small city in FNQ !!!!) Good luck !

Gonzo

What? Why on earth would the relationship with the coffee supplier be any different to that with any other supplier. They

nunu

Like "Proudly serving Vittoria coffee?" Umbrellas, outdoor furniture, fencing, crockery, sugar... Where does it end? Don't feel like being locked into a contract with a supplier.  Would rather roast my own or go with a smaller roaster.  The cafe is a reflection of me, not who I get my coffee from.  Especially when there are those who really don't care for the coffee Vittoria, Lavazza, Illy, etc. put out. As a business owner, it's in your best interest to be able to shop around different suppliers, and get the best quality product for the lowest price.

Trussell

give me a small local roaster op shop furniture, stencilled umbrellas, hand stamped logo napkins and plain everything else any day

nzroaster

The sign over the door says "my cafe"