The Coffee Supply Chain - How Does It Work?

Published On: May 30, 2023

If you’re a curious coffee drinker, you may be interested in how your coffee’s quality or its sustainability are impacted by the supply chain.

 

If you’re a shop owner or coffee roasters like us, you are probably watching very carefully how international export logistics and producer supply capacity is impacting delivery timelines and wholesale prices.

 

Knowing a little more about how it works (and the threats that it faces) can help you understand just how appreciative we should all be of great coffee when it’s available to us. 

 

Who’s Involved?

Generally, in the supply chain we have: growers, processors, intermediaries, exporters, suppliers, roasters, retailers and consumers. In some cases, not all of these parties are involved, with more direct relations taking place between growers and roasters for example. 

 

1. Coffee Growers

A Colombian coffee grower - the first link in the coffee supply chain

 

The coffee supply chain starts with coffee growers (also known as producers or farmers).

 

Some growers operate large plantations and must rely on machine processing for harvesting. Others will be smaller in scale and will tend to a farm of 1 or 2 acres in size. 

 

Harvesting methods used by growers will vary depending on the resources they have available to them, the conditions of the farm (e.g. soil, incline level), their desired outcomes in terms of coffee quality, and other environmental factors. 

 

For instance, in Colombia, many of the producers we work with are family run and located in often rural and hard-to-reach locations making machine harvesting impossible.

 

Most of our coffees come from these small family run farms and microlots in Colombia. 

 

Learn More About Colombian Coffee Growing 

2. Processors

Colombian coffee processor supporting the coffee supply chain

 

Growers can process their own coffee, or, where they don’t have the space or facilities to do this, they may use the services of another farmer or a processing facility. 

 

Some sites exist solely to process coffee from nearby farms. And these processing stations will often be run by a cooperative of farmers — a small group sharing equipment for the mutual benefit of everyone. 

 

A processing station and its workers may become the hub that brings together the efforts of a whole community, making it easier to store product, test quality and access export markets. These stations will often also be where quality control is done by the farmers. 

 

3. Exporters

Exporters will generally buy coffee from multiple farms and sell it to international buyers. This is an important part of the coffee supply chain for Colombia in particular as 90% of Colombian coffee being exported. 

 

They will use their knowledge of the industry to source high-quality beans before promoting and selling them to various international markets. This may be through auctions or through existing partnerships with green coffee buyers. 

 

We’re also seeing these organisations evolve due to the increasing demand from specialty coffee buyers for detailed information about the farms that beans are sourced from. There is also higher demand for origin trips so roasters or suppliers can see what conditions look like on the ground for themselves. 

 

These exporters need the correct licences to support international trade (which many individual farms don’t have) and all sales must be logged with the FNC who must grant permission before coffee is transported. 

 

4. Intermediaries

Several individuals and organisations will also exist to support interactions between different parties in the supply chain and help with logistics. For instance, they may connect growers with exporters and buyers; organise transport between farms and holding stations; pack coffee, and generally get things ready for international export.  

 

5. Suppliers

A coffee supplier buys coffee from exporters in the country of origin, such as Brazil, Ethiopia or Colombia, and sells them to roasters in markets like the UK or U.S. They’ll typically deal in large quantities and may have several long-term relationships with an existing customer base of roasters. 

 

Suppliers deal in green coffee, which is the best way to preserve freshness before the roasting process. 


6. Roasters

A coffee roasters at Hermanos handling green beans from the coffee supply chain

 

Roasters are the people who transform green coffee beans into beans that can actually used to make coffee, which is what we do at Hermanos. There’s a great level of skill involved in the process of roasting, and many roasteries will have their own house style or approach. 

 

Some, like us, will deal only in single origin coffees from a particular location, while others will roast and blend a combination of beans from several locations.

 

Each company and roastery will have unique values, approaches to roasting and sourcing. Prices can vary massively depending on where roasters get their beans from and the types of relationships they have with other parties in the supply chain. 

 

For instance, a coffee roasters operating in the UK may work with an exporter in the country of origin, or, more directly with growers and cooperatives. This can give them greater insights into how the coffee is grown and reduce prices. 

 

Importantly, relationships between certain roasters and growers have helped the specialty coffee market mature, with roasters communicating to farmers the needs of the market so that approaches can be adapted and new types of coffee grown — increasing market potential and the desirability of certain coffees. 

 

Larger roasters may ship the final product to supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and anyone else who wants to get their hands on wholesale coffee.

 

At Hermanos we work closely with farmers to build sustainable relationships. You can buy a variety of coffees from us from different regions Colombia all roasted to bring the most out of our coffees.  

Three bags of Hermanos Colombian coffee roasters coffees, Koji, El Fresno and El Condor on a white table side by side 
Shop Here

 

7. Retailers and Cafes

Coffee is sold in a variety of places at the end of the supply chain.

 

A specialty coffee shop or cafe prescribing to “third wave coffee” principles will (in theory) place a great deal of importance on the intricacies of the supply chain and the journey taken by its coffee beans, while others may focus more on purchasing large quantities for a low price.

 

Because we make sure that we work directly with suppliers we can ensure that we work towards a more sustainable future for coffee and empower the communities in Colombia. So, when you buy a coffee or a bag of beans from us you know are aware of every step of the journey.

 

Hermanos has outlets throughout London. If you are interested in visiting a shop to see the last stage of the coffee supply chain you can visit us here. 

 

Learn How to Buy Specialty Coffee that’s Actually Good

 

The Journey of a Coffee Bean

A coffee farmer in Colombia planting coffee seeds at start of the coffee supply chain

 

To look at things a different way, below are the different stages coffee beans go through before they reach the consumer: growing, harvesting, processing, transportation, packing, shipping, roasting, purchase,grinding, brewing and drinking.

 

Potential Threats to the Supply Chain

No matter how robust our coffee supply chain is, or how strong our relationships are with our partners in Colombia, a number of threats always exist to us as importers and roasters. There is unavoidable risk and uncertainty that can impact the smooth delivery of products to consumers, as well as price. 

 

  • The threat of disease, significant rain or changing temperatures (as a result of climate change) mean coffee yields may vary substantially from year to year.

  • Many farms are located in rural parts of Colombia where road conditions are poor and frequent landslides can cause delays.

  • Similarly, a lack of technology and communication infrastructure in rural locations can make it harder for farmers to coordinate with exporters and buyers, meaning more traditional smallholder farms (which have excellent coffee!) find it hard to liaise with partners remotely. 

  • Issues with international shipping and transportation will always impact the speed of deliveries, and in many cases, the cost that importers face. 

  • Political instability such as protests and strikes can make it harder for products to be transported on time within Colombia. It also makes it difficult for international buyers to visit farms themselves.  

Due to these risks, many businesses are forced to build redundancy into their supply chains. For instance, some have broadened their sourcing parameters so they're not only getting beans from single-origin. 

 

Others have swapped long-term strategies for procurement (to support the brand and accommodate customer taste preferences) with more ad-hoc decisions to source coffee that’s simply available and well-priced at any given time. 

 

The coffee supply chain comes with an inherent degree of risk and uncertainty

How We Source Our Colombian Coffee Beans

Not all supply chains are the same. At Hermanos, we try to keep things as simple as possible and, whenever possible, work directly with farmers and cooperative groups in the Colombian coffee triangle and beyond. 

 

We find this is the best way to really understand the story behind the beans and make sure money is flowing to the right places. 

 

Discover Our Full Collection of Colombian Coffee Beans!

Hermanos Colombian coffee roasters assortment of coffee bags.

Nubia
Strawberry Jam, Dragon Fruit, Mango Chips, Fig, Dark Chocolate
ÂŁ24.00
Coffee Tasting Kit (50g, 100g)
Whether you prefer a rich and robust espresso or a smooth and mellow brew, we have the perfect coffee bag to suit your taste.
ÂŁ28.00
El Fresno
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Orange Marmalade, Salted Caramel
ÂŁ15.00
San Isidro
Strawberry, Guava, Banana Peel, Blackcurrant, Tokaji
ÂŁ24.00
Lili
Chocolate Truffle, Ripe Mango, Pineapple Jam, Honeydew Melon, Manuka Honey
ÂŁ24.00
Angie
Raspberry Jam, Lime Sherbet, Chocolate Ganache, Green Apple, Black Grape
ÂŁ24.00
Lucia
Strawberry Candy, Plum, Lychee, Blueberry, Chocolate Mousse, Pomegranate
ÂŁ24.00
Suldery
Lychee, Agave Syrup, Apple Juice, Golden Raisins
ÂŁ24.00
best-product-cover-image
Nubia
ÂŁ24.00
Strawberry Jam, Dragon Fruit, Mango Chips, Fig, Dark Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Whether you prefer a rich and robust espresso or a smooth and mellow brew, we have the perfect coffee bag to suit your taste.
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
El Fresno
ÂŁ15.00
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Orange Marmalade, Salted Caramel
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Lili
ÂŁ24.00
Chocolate Truffle, Ripe Mango, Pineapple Jam, Honeydew Melon, Manuka Honey
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Angie
ÂŁ24.00
Raspberry Jam, Lime Sherbet, Chocolate Ganache, Green Apple, Black Grape
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Lucia
ÂŁ24.00
Strawberry Candy, Plum, Lychee, Blueberry, Chocolate Mousse, Pomegranate
Size:
Grind:
More Details

Join the community

Sign up to receive exclusive offers, updates and news on our products and services. Join our community of coffee enthusiasts and stay up to date with the latest coffee trends, roasts and brewing techniques.

Sign-up for Newsletter

Journal

VIEW ALL
Feature Image

Upgrade your Morning with a Monthly Coffee Subscription

A coffee subscription is more than just a convenience—it's a way to simplify your daily routine and enhance your coffee experience. By automating your orders, you save time, ensure consistent quality, manage your budget better, and avoid decision fatigue. 

READ MORE
Feature Image

Fully-Home Compostable vs. Home Compostable: What’s the Difference?

84% of households recycle incorrectly. The rules and guidelines may seem confusing, but we're here to take the first step. Today, we're breaking down the confusing world of coffee capsules...

READ MORE
Feature Image

Everything You Know About Cold Brew is Wrong - Here’s Why

You may order a cold brew for its reputation of giving a big kick of energy, you may order it because it's the it-coffee of the moment, but what makes it so different to an Americano? Spoiler alert - everything.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?

If you’re an avid coffee drinker, chances are that you’ve come across the term specialty coffee at least once in the hunt for that perfect cup of coffee. But what truly makes it so special?

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hario V60 Dripper - Everything You Need to Know

Picture this: It's 2005 and a Japanese glassware-making company called Hario has just introduced a brewer that will revolutionise the coffee scene. Read on and find out all there is to know about the Hario V60 and it's fascinating history. 

READ MORE
Feature Image

Pink Bourbon: a Colombian Specialty Coffee Like No Other

Pink Bourbon - Colombian specialty coffee's latest gem? Learn all about this dazzling new varietal, its unique rise to global recognition and what the future holds for it. And don't forget to try our very own Hermanos Pink Bourbon - La Aldea.

READ MORE
Feature Image

It's A Hermanos Christmas

From Christmas Market prep to festive coffee-roasting to the birth of new seasonal characters like Santa Santiago, it’s been a rollercoaster of a month - and we’re only halfway through. Come along for a ride through the Christmas rush at Hermanos.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Feliz Navidad - Introducing Hermanos Christmas Coffees

We’ve curated two limited edition coffee beans for you this Christmas - Santa Rita Honey and Finca Las Brisas. Take a deep dive into their backstories and find out why they make the perfect Christmas bean.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Stories from Colombia

From Colombia, with love. Follow along as we take you on a trip through the journeys of four Colombian speciality coffee farmers and their families. From seemingly insurmountable hardships to deaths within the family, these farmers have seen it all, done it all, and persevered through it all. And now they want to thank you - for the unwavering support you've shown their beans through the years.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hermanos Coffee Pods

Crafted by Hermanos, compatible with Nespresso®. Our sustainable single origin pods are finally here! Available in three of our most loved beans, get ready for your very own specialty Colombian coffee experience at the push of a button.

READ MORE
Feature Image

All About Yellow Fruits

This coffee will blow your mind - in the best way possible. With inimitable notes of pineapple mango and manuka honey, one sip is all it takes to fall in love. Get ready for Yellow Fruits to whisk you off to a tropical paradise.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How is Decaf Coffee Made?

Can't handle caffeine? That's where decaf comes in! Learn all about popular decaffeination methods used in specialty coffee and which one we prefer to use for ours.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Light Roast vs. Medium Roast - Coffee Roasting Explained

READ MORE
Feature Image

A Coffee Varietal Guide

The 2 main species of coffee are arabic and robusta, where arabica is mainly used for specialty coffee. Within the arabica family there are different varietals, similar to different apple types (eg. Fuji, gala, granny smith), each varietal boasts distinct flavours and flourishes in different growing conditions. Let's explore the world of Colombian coffee varietals and its diverse tastes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Coffee Supply Chain - How Does It Work?

Whatever your connection is to the world of specialty coffee, we’re all at the mercy of the coffee supply chain. And knowing a little more about how it works (and the threats that it faces) can help you understand just how appreciative we should all be of great coffee when it’s available to us.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee vs. African Coffee: What’s The Difference?

How does Colombian coffee compare to African coffee? We explore the main differences between the two, including roast, processing, and tasting notes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters — The Brand Refresh

Over the past seven months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to hone our branding and enhance it to better convey our values and our mission.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Gender Equality In The Colombian Coffee Industry — An Introduction

The Colombian coffee industry is reliant on the work of women. Yet, women are often not recognised enough for this contribution..

READ MORE
Feature Image

Choosing A Chocolatey Coffee — Insider Tips

Coffee and chocolate are two of the most popular flavours out there. We’ll talk through the characteristics of chocolatey coffee and what's on offer at Hermanos.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Colombian Coffee Federation — What Is It And Why Is It Important?

The Colombian coffee industry has an outstanding global reputation, and for good reason. To maintain this quality and put frameworks in place to protect the coffee growers, the Colombian Coffee Federation was created.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Can Coffee Farmers Stop Climate Change Killing Their Crops?

There are around 25 million smallholder coffee producers in the world and over 125 million people who rely on the sector. What can they do to save their crops?

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Are The Key Differences Between Colombian Coffee And Brazilian Coffee?

How similar is Colombian coffee to Brazilian coffee? Despite both countries being in South America and sitting in the coffee belt, they differ vastly from each other.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee Facts — Everything You Need To Know

We’ve summarised 10 of the best Colombian coffee facts, which you can use to find out more about what makes coffee from Colombia so unique.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Does Climate Change Affect Coffee Production?

While local adaptation and agricultural innovation is helping some to mitigate the effects of climate change, several studies carried out over the last decade predict we’re looking at a drop of up to 50% of total landmass suitable for coffee production by 2050.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Koji Fermented Coffee: Innovation in the Coffee Industry

We’re invigorated by experimental coffee processing techniques, which is why we're so excited about Koji, our new bean.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is Natural Coffee Processing And How Does It Impact Your Coffee?

We dive into the natural processing method, and see how it weighs up against the washed and honey processes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Our Visit To Colombia: Meeting Coffee Farmers And Discovering New Coffee Beans

Last month we travelled through Colombia. Our aim was to visit as many coffee growers and farms as possible in just a few weeks. Here's what we learnt...

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Freshness - Does Fresh Ground Coffee Taste Better?

We’ll walk you through why coffee freshness is so important, as well as some top tips on how to preserve the freshness of your coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

UK Coffee Subscriptions – Coffee Clubs, Bean Boxes and In-Shop Subscriptions Explained

The UK coffee subscription landscape is incredible. Many of the nation’s most established coffee roasters have doubled down on their online subscription models since the pandemic, while a huge number of new and digital-first brands have also entered the market.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Is it Better to Buy Coffee Beans or Ground?

The vast majority of supermarkets and specialty coffee roasters offer both whole beans and pre-ground coffee. But which is the better choice?

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Flavours by Country: How Does Location Affect Flavour?

Factors ranging from climate and altitude to the way local farmers process their beans have an impact on flavour. We explore how coffee origins influence coffee profiles from different countries.

READ MORE
Feature Image

5 Reasons To Visit A Coffee Roastery

A coffee roastery is one of the most exciting places to be if you’re a coffee lover or interested in how the process works. However, there are still misconceptions about what a coffee roastery is and how it relates to the other parts of the global coffee supply chain.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Beginner's Guide To Different Coffee Types

There are so many different types of coffee out there, from Espresso-based drinks to fancy pour overs like the Chemex and V60. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to different coffee types to make it easier for you.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is A Coffee Roaster? Wholesale, Subscriptions & Coffee Roasting Explained

The majority of coffee shops around the world buy their beans from a wholesale roasting company. But what is a coffee roaster? We explore!

READ MORE
Feature Image

Ground Coffee vs. Instant Coffee: What Are The Main Differences?

If you’re looking to brush up on your coffee knowledge or want to make the change from instant coffee to ground coffee, then you’re in the right place. In this post we explore the many differences between ground coffee and instant coffee, including the type of beans typically used for each, caffeine content, shelf life, taste, and the way these coffees are brewed.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Espresso Explained: What's The Difference Between Espresso And Filter Coffee?

What makes an espresso different to filter coffee? Many factors ranging from the size of the drink, the caffeine content, the taste, and even the aroma all play a part. But most importantly, these coffees differ due to the way they are made.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Guide – Top 10 FAQs Answered

There’s a strict protocol to follow if you are coffee cupping, but the general act of coffee tasting can take many forms. Here’s our coffee tasting guide for beginners.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Terms Explained — How To Taste Coffee Like A Professional

Whether you’ve got a coffee cupping session coming up, or you just want to learn how to appreciate your morning coffee more, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your knowledge of coffee tasting terms.

READ MORE
Feature Image

A Visit from the Producers of El Vergel - What We Learnt

From challenges faced by climate change to why they choose to grow specialty coffee over commodity coffee, here’s what we learnt when we interviewed the Tolima-based producers of our popular El Vergel coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Traceability: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

The desire for traceability in the specialty coffee industry is growing, with more interest than ever in where coffee comes from, who grows it, and how it gets from farm to cup.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Cost of Coffee - Why Are Coffee Prices Rising?

The cost of a simple cup or bag of coffee is connected to so many of the world’s most critical issues, ranging from the climate crisis to the global pandemic. We explore what’s really behind the rise in coffee prices.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Natural? Washed? Honey? Coffee Processing Methods Explained

Although you don’t need to know the difference between natural, washed or honey processed coffees to enjoy them, cafes, roasters and specialty coffee retailers are increasingly using these terms as selling points for their beans.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Does Altitude Affect Coffee: Colombian Coffee

Coffee beans grown at higher altitudes tend to produce coffees that are more complex, rich and distinct due to the cooler temperatures that extend the growth time of the coffee plant, adding more depth in flavour.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Specialty vs. Commodity Coffee: What's the Difference?

There's never been so much interest in specialty coffee as there is now. A growing number of coffee shops and roasters define themselves by their commitment to specialty coffee, and, in a way, their opposition to 'commodity coffee'.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Experiences - What to Expect During Your First Cupping Session

Anyone can taste coffee but 'cupping' refers to the standardised process of evaluating coffees used by the coffee industry. We explore what you need to know before your first tasting (or cupping) experience.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Is Coffee Decaffeinated? - Decaf Coffee Beans

We shed light on what decaf is and how exactly coffee is decaffeinated using methods like the sugar cane decaf process so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your next bag of Colombian decaf coffee beans

READ MORE
Feature Image

What is a Colombian Coffee Cooperative & What's Their Impact?

While the coop system isn’t perfect, it’s played a crucial role in developing the Colombia's specialty coffee market and allowing smallholders to band together and promote the attractiveness of their beans. Learn more! 

READ MORE
Feature Image

How to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans - A Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to start buying better specialty coffee with our beginner’s guide. We discuss roast dates, flavours (notes), supermarkets, descriptions on coffee packets, and provide a simple checklist for when you’re in a fix.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What is Arabica Coffee & Why the World Loves it

Arabica coffee beans offer a smoother, sweeter taste than Robusta. And despite being harder to grow, are widely considered to be the superior bean in the world of specialty coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Colombian Coffee Triangle - The Past and Future of Colombia’s Most Famous Coffee Producing Region

Nearly a third of Colombia’s coffee growing happens within the “Colombian Coffee Triangle” and its major cities are strongholds for a century-old tradition of coffee farming. Learn more.

READ MORE