A clear explanation of the journey coffee takes

From bean to cup: how does the coffee chain work?

What is the coffee chain and how does it work?

The coffee chain describes all the steps coffee goes through, from the moment a bean is grown to the moment you drink a cup of coffee. It's the complete journey of coffee, from origin to final product.

This chain consists of multiple links, each with its own role. Think of the farmer who grows the coffee, the parties responsible for trade and transport, and ultimately the roaster and seller. Each step adds value but also influences taste, price, and quality.

It is precisely this structure that makes the coffee chain complex. The more links there are, the harder it becomes to understand exactly what is happening and how the price is ultimately determined. In many cases, it is not immediately clear where coffee comes from or how the value is distributed.

That's why it's important to understand the coffee chain well. Only with insight into the chain can you better assess what you are drinking and what choices lie behind it.

How does the coffee chain work from bean to cup?

Most coffee goes through a similar process before reaching the consumer. From the initial harvest to the moment coffee is brewed, the bean passes through multiple hands.

Basically, the coffee chain looks like this:

Farmer → local trader → exporter → importer → roaster → retailer → consumer

Each step in this chain influences the coffee's ultimate quality, taste, and price. At the same time, each additional link makes the chain less transparent.

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Phase 1

The coffee farmer at the start of the coffee chain

The coffee chain starts with the coffee farmer. Here, coffee is grown, harvested, and processed into green coffee beans. Factors such as climate, altitude, and harvesting method largely determine the quality and flavor profile of the coffee.

Phase 2

The local trader as a link between farmer and market

We are transparent about our procurement process and the channels through which our coffee reaches us. This means we disclose the parties we collaborate with and how the supply chain is currently structured. Not just the end result, but also the journey to get there.

Phase 3

The exporter in the coffee supply chain

The exporter ensures that coffee leaves the country of origin. This includes quality control, certification, and arranging transportation. At this stage, coffee is prepared for international sale.

Phase 4

The coffee importer

Importers bring coffee to markets like Europe and sell it to roasters. They handle storage, logistics, and ensure a stable supply of coffee on a larger scale.

Phase 5

The Roaster and Flavor Development

The coffee roaster transforms green coffee beans into roasted coffee. During roasting, flavor, aroma, and body further develop, which greatly influences the coffee's ultimate character.

Phase 6

The retailer and sale of coffee

The retailer sells coffee to consumers via, for example, webshops, supermarkets, or catering establishments. At this point, the product comes together with price, packaging, and positioning.

Phase 7

The consumer in the coffee supply chain

The consumer is the end point of the coffee chain. By making choices about which coffee to buy, you indirectly influence demand, price, and how the chain develops further.

Where is value created in the coffee supply chain?

The value in the coffee chain is not evenly distributed across all stages.

Although the farmer lays the foundation, a large part of the financial value is generated further along the chain. This includes branding, marketing, distribution, and sales. As a result, the difference between the price you pay and what the farmer receives can be significant.

This makes the coffee chain not only complex but also difficult to comprehend without additional insight.