Direct Trade Model

We were first in the industry to establish direct trade relationships with the farmers who grow the coffees we roast. We developed this new approach for the coffee trade not only because we believe it’s the right thing to do, but because it aligns with our vision to offer our customers the best coffees and espressos in the world.

We work hand-in-hand with our growing partners from planting to harvesting to processing and packaging the coffees for transport to our roasting works. Then, each year we take what we’ve learned and apply it to the next growing season. Our transparent business model and the years-long relationships we forge with these coffee producers enables us to deliver on our promise of uncompromising quality in the products we offer you. Learn more about our Direct Trade model.

Innovation

We never settle for the status quo. Sure, there are some tried and true techniques for roasting and preparing coffee and espresso. For everything else, we never stop pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We spent over a year in collaboration with notNeutral Ceramics, testing dozens of prototypes, before we perfected espresso demitasse cup, cappuccino cup, and brewed coffee mug designs. These designs go beyond aesthetics to functionally improve the experience by preserving the beverage’s heat while channeling the aromatics to fully reveal each coffee’s distinctive flavors. We’re also data obsessed. We collect and analyze data at every step of the process, from coffee cultivation to roasting. We then share what we’ve learned and adapt our processes accordingly. Perfection is elusive, and we won’t stop until we get there.

Experience

We’ve learned a lot running high-volume retail coffeebars for over twenty years, with operations that now extend to fifteen retail locations, roasting works, and training labs. In our stores, we’ve quite literally removed physical barriers between our baristas and our guests, and we extend that same mindset to our wholesale partners. We continually gain unique customer insights from each of our coffeebars, and our growing partners. By working in partnership, we’ll share what we learn at every stage of our relationship, helping you to differentiate your coffee program and contribute to your ongoing success.