Your Coffee Beans Matter – Features of Quality Coffee Beans
Coffee consumption has reached its highest point in six years.
According to the U.S. National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends report, around 64% of Americans consume coffee daily, a number that only seems to increase every year. Americans sip more than 400 million cups in a given day, and the world drinks more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee every year.
The majority of Americans drink coffee every day. However, the days of instant coffee or over-roasted beans are long gone — today, the average coffee consumer knows more about coffee than ever before, and many choose the highest-quality beans they can find.
Selecting high-quality coffee allows you to enter into a growing market and create memorable, premium products. When your company chooses high-quality coffee beans, you are not just selecting a superior ingredient — you are showing consumers you value the quality of your products above all else.
We’ve created this guide to explore the impact of high-quality coffee for a business, along with tips on how to select the best beans for your company.
Jump to:
- Customers Care About Coffee Bean Quality
- Features of High-Quality Coffee Beans
- How to Choose a High-Quality Coffee Supplier
- Questions to Ask When Choosing a Coffee Bean Supplier
- Partner with a High-Quality Private-Label Supplier
3 WAYS SUPERIOR QUALITY KEEPS YOUR CUSTOMERS COMING BACK
Joe’s Garage Coffee is associated with superior quality. Not only is this at the core of all we do, but it’s also an advantage we strive to provide to every client who chooses to partner with us. Coffee drinkers love quality products, and many are willing to spend a little more to ensure they receive the quality they deserve. The world of coffee is growing, and customers’ tastes are becoming more discriminating. But it’s not just the flavor that’s important. Outstanding customer service paired with great taste is a dynamic duo that’s unbeatable. To keep your customers coming back, you need to ensure your coffee brand is associated with that one word: quality. We’ve been roasting and manufacturing coffee for more than 30 years now. In that time, we’ve learned quality is one aspect that keeps customers loyal throughout the years. If you’re unsure, here are three reasons we know a superior quality coffee brand keeps people coming back for more.1. Customers Want a Great Cup of Coffee
We are in the midst of a coffee renaissance. People are more discerning than ever about what their coffee should taste like. All that to say, your customers want a great cup of coffee. Office workers no longer settle for the sludge dispersed from the communal carafe. Even the free coffee at hotels has to meet up to a traveler’s standards. If they don’t find it palatable, they’ll head off to the local coffee shop where they know they’ll find a quality brew instead. In this new world of cafes on every corner, your brand needs to be associated with great taste. By creating a private label brew with Joe’s Garage Coffee, you get to work with our Q-grader and food scientist who is focused on one goal — creating unique, tasty and high-quality coffee.2. Your Customers Are Going to Tell Their Friends
A great cup of coffee is something worth talking about. Word of mouth has always been a tool businesses can utilize to get their brand name out there. But now, in the world of social media, online reviews and vocal e-critics, a good rep is more essential than ever — you can be sure one negative experience will be plastered all over the internet causing irreparable harm. That’s why you want to get your customers talking in a good way. Because no matter what, they’re going to tell their friends, and the friends of their friends — and probably the friends of their friends’ friends, too.3. Don’t Forget About Quality Customer Service
Early on in the creation of our business, we learned the value of quality customer service and never looked back. The best tasting coffee in the world can be soured by a negative experience with your staff. To expand your brand, your team needs to understand and embrace the idea that providing exceptional customer service is something worth striving for. As we said before, bad word of mouth is something you don’t want to have to recover from. When you choose to partner with Joe’s Garage Coffee, we work with you to create unforgettable, high-quality coffee — coffee that tastes great and meets up to your customer’s expectations every time. When we talk about outstanding customer service, it’s because that’s what we aim to provide to every one of our clients. Contact us today to learn how we can take your brand to the next level.Customers Care About Coffee Bean Quality
As a result of several different trends and movements within the coffee industry, today’s coffee consumer prioritizes high-quality coffee.
When you select high-quality beans, you take advantage of multiple trends sweeping through the coffee industry — below, we’ve listed four influential movements that have pushed consumers toward premium coffee.
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1. The Growth of Gourmet-Quality Coffee
One of the most surprising recent trends in the coffee industry is the growth of the “gourmet” market. In 2017, 59% of coffee consumed daily was gourmet, and the younger generation is driving the movement. This statistic indicates a significant shift in the American coffee market. The current generation of coffee drinkers sees coffee as a type of affordable luxury, not as just a bitter, energy-filled necessity to get them through the week. Because drinking coffee has transformed into an artisan experience, having high-quality or gourmet coffee is essential. The era of instant coffee blends and discount beans is in the past — consumers are willing to purchase more expensive coffee if it means a higher-quality cup.2. Attention to Fair Trade
Increased globalization has meant more and more people are paying attention to the ethics of supply chains and production. The fair-trade and sustainability movements swept across America, significantly affecting the coffee industry. Fair-trade products are intended to provide a better deal for independent farmers in developing countries. Products certified as fair trade are often more expensive than their non-labeled competitors, but consumers are willing to pay. In one 2014 study, coffees with fair-trade labels saw a 10% increase in sales, even when the products’ prices were as much as 8% higher. Modern consumers place a high value on ethical sourcing — they want their purchases to make a difference, even if it means paying more for a product.3. Interest in the Science and Art of Coffee
The average coffee consumer is more knowledgeable about coffee production, roasting, and brewing than ever before. This trend is called third-wave coffee. Today, the market is rife with consumers who are aware the barista isn’t the only one responsible for their daily espresso — the producer and roaster also get credit for the final cup. The hallmarks of third-wave coffee are its precise origins, unique flavors, and lack of imperfections. At its core, the third wave signifies a shift from consumers enjoying a caffeinated drink to genuinely appreciating a quality product — it describes both the kind of coffee we drink and the way we think about it. In this third-wave market, customers are savvy about their coffee, and they demand an excellent product.4. Expansion of Direct Trade
Another emerging trend in the coffee industry is direct trade. In this trend, a roaster buys beans directly from the producer, cutting out the middleman. But the trend also signifies a shift toward a greater emphasis on quality — not just from the consumer, but from companies along every step of the industry. Increasingly, roasters are earning a reputation as craftsmen and artists, able to coax the brightest and most distinctive flavors from coffee beans. Consumers expect gourmet-grade coffee from excellent roasters, and roasters are searching for the highest-quality coffee beans to meet this demand.
Features of High-Quality Coffee Beans
Consumers are willing to invest in premium coffee. But how can you determine the difference between average and good quality coffee beans? Whether you are buying them green or roasted, here are some of the features that set high-quality beans apart from the rest.
1. High-Quality Green Coffee Beans
Buying green coffee beans allows you to roast them to your specifications, bringing out their best flavors and natural complexity. However, if you are new to the coffee industry, knowing how to choose the best coffee beans to buy can be overwhelming. Below are four ways of differentiating between green coffee beans — origin, altitude, variety, and method of processing.- Origin: The country where the coffee comes from deeply impacts its taste and quality. Factors like soil composition, humidity, and climate all affect the final taste profile of the bean. Every roaster will have a different opinion about the best origin of coffee — ultimately, there is no “right” origin for a high-quality bean. However, each location has unique characteristics. For example, Central and South American coffees are clean and sweet, Asian coffees commonly feature earthy flavors, and African beans are often complex and fruit-forward.
- Altitude: Typically, the higher the elevation, the lower the average temperatures. Because of this, coffee grown in higher altitudes tends to grow more slowly, producing more complex taste profiles. As a general rule, beans grown in high altitudes will have better acidity, more sweetness, and complex flavors.
- Variety: The two dominant types of coffee are Arabica and Robusta, and they are not interchangeable. Inexpensive Robusta beans grow in lower altitudes, and they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. However, coffee enthusiasts widely consider Arabica beans to be the higher-quality variant — although they are more expensive, they have a reputation for their smooth taste and broad range of scents.
- Processing: Across the industry, coffee beans are most commonly processed using one of two methods: natural or washed processing. Also known as dry and wet processing, each approach impacts the final flavor of the beans. In natural processing, the whole coffee cherry gets dried before the removal of the outer layer of fruit. This technique gives the bean a sweeter, fruitier taste. Alternately, in washed coffees, the fruit gets removed before drying, giving the beans a cleaner but more acidic flavor.
- Size and shape: The best green coffee beans are almost identical in size and shape, and this similarity influences the appearance and taste of the roasted coffee. Large beans roast differently than small ones — roasting different sizes together will produce an uneven brew.
- Smell: Before you buy a batch of green coffee beans, smell them if possible. Smoke damage and ferment are easier to notice at this point, before the coffee has been roasted.
- Color: Do you notice the beans are faded or pale around the edges? That could indicate insufficient drying or humid storing conditions, and both factors will create bland coffee. White or discolored beans could also point to damage from polluted water, contact with soil, or oxidation.
2. High-Quality Roasted Coffee Beans
When you are selecting roasted coffee beans, many of the same rules apply as with green beans — know your origin, altitude, variety, and processing preferences, and look for beans with even coloring, robust scents, and similar shapes and sizes. However, here are a few additional considerations to take into account.- Roast date: The fresher the roast, the better — once roasted, coffee quickly loses its freshness. Search for bags that display the exact roast date of the coffee — it’s probably best to avoid any coffee that doesn’t display a clear date. Stick to bags and producers that clearly label the dates of their coffees, and try to use or sell the coffee within three weeks of the roast date for maximum flavor.
- Roast color: Pay attention to the color of the roast — it will provide clues to the final taste of the coffee. The best color for roasted coffees largely comes down to personal preference. You might prefer the smooth and acidic taste of light-colored, dry beans for your company. Or, you could enjoy the bold, bitter taste and rich, shiny look of beans that have experienced longer roasting times.
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How to Choose a High-Quality Coffee Supplier
Working with a private-label supplier is an excellent way to find premium, high-quality beans. However, not every supplier provides the same quality of coffee — you will have to research to determine whether a coffee supplier is worth partnering with.
When you are searching for a high-quality coffee supplier, look for these elements.
1. Low Minimums
Especially when you are first entering the coffee industry, it’s vital to find a supplier with low minimums. That’s because beginning a coffee brand or company typically requires investing in coffee beans, equipment, employees, and an e-commerce site — starting a business takes a significant investment of time, money, and energy. Working with a coffee supplier that offers low minimums allows you to get started in the coffee business — low minimums lower your expenses, reducing the risk of starting a brand or expanding into a new market.2. Fast Turns
Another crucial element is a supplier’s turn speed. Fast turn speeds allow your business to respond to the needs of your customers and fill orders quickly. When a supplier has fast turns, you can keep your most popular products in stock at all times, even during the busy seasons. Working with a supplier that offers fast turnarounds also gives your company room for mistakes. Sometimes, an order may come in with a mistake — you might receive a large shipment of the wrong type of coffee, for example. Fast turns mean your supplier can promptly address the issue, sending a new shipment before you lose any clients.3. High Capacity
As your company grows, you need a partner that can grow with you. Whether you want to purchase a larger quantity of coffee beans or a wider variety, your coffee supplier should be able to flex according to the needs of your company. Also, notice if the supplier offers different packaging options, so you can respond to shifting markets and consumer preferences. For example, if you know your customer base is looking for pods for Nespresso or cups for Keurig, you will probably want to change your inventory to meet that need. If your supplier only offers ground coffee, however, you will be unable to upgrade your products in time to capitalize on the trend.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Coffee Bean Supplier
Whenever possible, visit a supplier’s coffee warehouse and taste, smell, and examine the beans firsthand. Check if the equipment looks clean and well-maintained, and ask to visit the storing areas to see if they are dark, cool, and low humidity. If you can’t visit your supplier, ask for bean samples so you can taste and examine the coffee before you purchase. Ask the supplier about the drying conditions on the coffee estate. The drying conditions impact the quality of coffee — if the supplier takes time and care to dry their coffee well, the beans will likely be high-quality. Improper, rapid drying in mechanical dryers or exposed patios will produce dull, ordinary coffees. Also, inquire about the style of coffee processing and how quickly the beans get processed. Coffee beans begin to ferment immediately after getting picked — if processors don’t act as soon as possible, it will result in a cup of coffee with a slightly rotten taste.Why Joe’s Garage Coffee Believes in Superior Quality
Everyone loves a good cup of joe. Whether it’s to perk us up in the morning or keep us chugging away in the afternoon, great coffee is a must. The world of coffee has expanded. Customers have more options than ever, which means that their tastes are more discerning than ever. To grow your private label coffee brand, you need a supplier who can partner with you to create a superior quality product. At Joe’s Garage Coffee, we ensure that all of our customers get just that. Every service we provide is geared toward helping you create an exceptional end product. That’s why we hire an entire team of experts in the coffee industry who are here to ensure your brand is associated with awesome taste and incredible quality. A superior-quality product should be a given. After all, how can a manufacturer help you grow if the end product is subpar? However, in an effort to get your private label coffee on shelves as quickly as possible, some suppliers will sacrifice quality in the name of expediency. At Joe’s Garage Coffee, that’s never the case. Although we pride ourselves on providing fast turns, we never substitute speed for quality. It’s one of the benefits we guarantee to all of our customers.Joe’s Garage Coffee Provides Your Customers With Superior Products
The reason we make great-tasting coffee blends a priority is that we know your customers will be able to tell the difference. With all the private labels available in stores and online today, coffee drinkers know a great-tasting brew as soon as they take a sip. Standards are higher than ever. As a result, you need a private label coffee manufacturer who will ensure that your signature products are of a superior quality. Our staff is made up of experts in the coffee industry who understand the intricacies involved in the art of coffee roasting and packaging, and thus can create a delicious blend your customers will love. When you work with us, you’ll have full access to our:- Licensed Q-grader
- Food scientist
- Sensory panel
- Expert master roasters
Quality Products Create a Successful Brand
When all is said and done, our goal at Joe’s Garage Coffee is to help you create a successful brand. In our industry, this strategy is a huge competitive advantage for our customers and something we take very seriously. So whether you use our services to roast your coffee beans or utilize them for our flexible co-packaging capabilities, we will ensure that you have the best product available. We offer several different packaging types, including:- Cups for Keurig
- Pods for Nespresso
- Compostable Pods for Keurig
- One-Cup Filter Pods
- Cold Brew Pitcher Packs
- Portion Packs & Bags
Partner With a High-Quality Private-Label Supplier
Partnering with the right coffee supplier is crucial for the success of your brand and business. At Joe’s Garage Coffee, we are the leading private-label wholesale coffee supplier — we understand the coffee industry and the importance of high-quality products. With outstanding service, superior quality, fast turns, low minimum, and scalable capacity, Joe’s Garage Coffee can meet the needs of any brand, regardless of size. Unlike many other wholesale bulk coffee bean suppliers that only offer a limited scope of services, our wide range of services include roast-to-order, co-packing, toll-roasting, and creating custom coffee blends unique to your company. Whether you sell coffee through your cafe, website, or distributor, Joe’s Garage Coffee can help. Work with a high-quality coffee supplier to match the demands of your customers — contact us today to learn more about partnering with Joe’s Garage Coffee.
