Running after coffee differences, are manufacturers at risk?
When it comes to specialty coffee production, processing or preliminary processing is one of the most important steps. In addition to being key to preserving quality, this process can also enhance certain flavors or create new flavors that appeal to consumers. Especially in recent years, you can see more and more producers experimenting with different coffee processing methods. These include aerobic and anaerobic fermentation, carbon maceration, and lactic fermentation. In addition, they also focus on finding and cultivating rare Arabica coffee varieties to increase their uniqueness and value in the market. So, are manufacturers running into coffee differences to attract customers’ tastes? Are there risks? Let’s find out with XLIII Coffee!
Manufacturers continuously innovate to differentiate their coffee
With fierce competition and consumer demand, producers - especially those with the right resources and support - are experimenting with new processing methods and searching for new coffee varieties. Novelty coffee to enhance the uniqueness of its products.
Improve processing methods
According to the Coffee Quality Institute, post-harvest processing not only has the potential to preserve quality and safety but also creates flavor and adds value to coffee. It determines up to 60% of the overall coffee quality, greatly affecting coffee flavor and mouthfeel. Therefore, many farms focus on creating and continuously improving new processing methods to increase coffee value. By adjusting and tightly controlling many variables (fermentation, humidity, microorganisms, etc.), manufacturers can create attractive aromas for their coffee. In some cases, this process can increase the coffee's flavor profile, leading to increased popularity and income.
Jamie Jongkind - European sales director at Nordic Approach, said that innovation in processing methods is a natural development of the specialty coffee market. If the level of improvement is appropriate, the manufacturer will have a stable purchasing source. Some useful methods can become new foundations, helping to promote innovation in the coffee industry.
Focus on growing rare varieties
Besides improving processing processes, manufacturers also focus on selecting and growing rare Arabica coffee varieties. Some commonly used varieties are Gesha, Sidra, Pink Bourbon, Java, Sundan Rume,... These types of coffee are difficult to grow but they have genetic codes, the potential to create high quality products. . According to the survey, today, more and more Colombian producers grow indigenous Ethiopian varieties such as Gesha and Wush Wush, SL 28, Sidra and Mokka, or even species such as eugenioides. Especially Gesha varieties - a famous type of coffee that is popular in the specialty coffee market. If they are grown in the right environments and with the right farming practices, coffee can provide an ideal source of income for producers.
Manufacturers' risks when pursuing coffee differentiation
In the digital age, farmers have greater access to more information and resources about different varieties or processing methods. In particular, with advanced processing techniques, many manufacturers can easily differentiate themselves by creating unique processes for each type of coffee. However, deciding to implement a new processing method or grow a different variety can pose serious risks to the producer.
First are resource and financial issues. Many farming households do not have enough capital to maintain a standard system for new farming and testing processes. While creating an idea area for a new variety requires a lot of costs. New processing processes also require improvement and strict control of quality, safety and consistency standards. If the market does not accept new product types. Farmers without output will be at risk of running out of capital or even leaving empty-handed.
In addition, coffee types follow 'trends' and the uniqueness of processing methods changes very quickly depending on consumer behavior. It is difficult for manufacturers to accurately predict customer needs and tastes. This will require manufacturers to continuously innovate and create new processing methods or grow different varieties to stand out in a highly competitive market. But this is quite risky, because the coffee market is very volatile due to environmental, social, political, and economic factors. Investing too much in uniqueness is not sustainable if the product does not have a quality foundation to retain customers. Therefore, this can be a huge investment of money and time. And it's not always a guarantee that producers will receive high prices just because they grow rare varieties or have exclusive processing methods.
Pursuing the difference in coffee creates sustainability
According to Jamie Jongkind - European sales director at Nordic Approach, once stated: "Innovation creates many challenges but it is an inevitable trend to promote growth in the specialty coffee market." Certainly, but in that inevitable development process, sustainability in applying and promoting new processing methods also needs to be prioritized.
Everything has two sides. If flavor enhancement variables are overused, specialty coffee will lose its core characteristics. The flavor that the consumer feels may just be artificially marinated flavorings. This loses the true value of coffee - the originality of the plant variety, the characteristics of the growing area, the tradition or cultural beauty of each region's coffee production. Not to mention, if you are busy chasing uniqueness due to processing processes, many manufacturers will only focus on trends - things that exist over time and pay little attention to quality. If the coffee industry really develops in such a direction, can it survive in the long term? Do you love rich, delicate natural scents or artificial uniqueness that can be harmful to your health? Obviously, without an original foundation, the coffee production industry will lose the balance between socio-economic value and become unsustainable.
Focusing on improving cultivars and production methods can help producers stand out from industry competitors. However, they cause a lot of risks if they do not focus on output and improving product quality. To produce coffees with integrity in terms of freshness, safety and attractive flavor requires a lot of effort throughout the entire process. Farmers need support in terms of stable supply and demand, reasonable prices and farming and processing equipment to maintain and develop sustainably. Please support specialty coffee products from sustainable farmers and accompany XLIII Coffee's original journey!
Don't forget to follow our journal channel to update useful information.
Articles you may be interested in:
- How does coffee production in the Amazon solve sustainability issues?
- Single origin coffee – The original uniqueness of coffee
- Buenos Aires Gesha #0370 – Colombian coffee lot from a combination of people and nature
Bài viết mới
- Protect the Origin
Transparent Specialty Coffee: Conveying Truth and Value
Perhaps the most magical aspect of enjoying a cup of specialty coffee lies not only in its refined flavors but also in the story behind each bean. What truly sets specialty coffee apart is transparency—a commitment to bringing the raw truth from its origin. Transparent specialty coffee reflects every process and value, creating a sustainable connection between farmers, producers, and consumers. This brings a deep and authentic spiritual value to each cup, a mirror of sincerity and dedication.
- Describe the Origin
Coffee roasting companies – New standards and processes
Coffee roasting companies are not simply places where coffee beans are processed; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and value of the product. Defined by their ability to select premium raw materials and precisely control the roasting process, these companies help unlock the unique flavor potential of each coffee type. As a key link in the coffee supply chain, roasting companies connect farmers with consumers, ensuring product quality and building consumer trust by meeting the growing demand for rich and distinctive coffee flavors.
- Describe the Origin
Whole bean coffee prices – A picture of various influences
The market for whole bean coffee is constantly changing, influenced by factors such as species, harvest seasons, growing regions, and trade trends. These fluctuations affect not only farmers but also consumer decisions. What are the key factors driving coffee prices, and how can consumers find a coffee that balances quality and price? This article will analyze the factors that impact whole bean coffee prices and provide useful insights to help consumers make informed decisions.
- Taste the Origin
Specialty Coffee in Vietnam – A turning point or a distant dream?
Vietnam is globally recognized for its coffee production, ranking second in the world for Robusta exports, just behind Brazil. However, sheer volume is not enough to meet the demands of the increasingly sophisticated global coffee market. Recognizing this, Vietnam has begun focusing on specialty coffee, making efforts to cultivate Arabica beans and enhance processing techniques. Despite some initial achievements, reaching the strict international standards of specialty coffee remains a significant challenge. The question is: Can Specialty Coffee in Vietnam make its mark on the global stage?
- Find the Origin
Whole bean coffee: Discovering the perfect experiences
You may have heard the term “whole bean coffee” when exploring the world of coffee. But do you really understand what this type of coffee is and why it’s the preferred choice for true coffee lovers? For those who want to savor the pure, original flavor of every coffee bean, whole bean coffee is the key to unlocking a fascinating journey of taste. Let’s dive deeper into what makes whole bean coffee so special and find the perfect choice for you!
- Taste the Origin
The Specialty Coffee experience awakens all senses
Have you ever taken a moment to savor every aspect of a cup of coffee? Each sip offers more than just the vibrant acidity reminiscent of various plants and fruits; it’s an invitation to challenge your senses. With every cup, we seem to refine our palate, patience, and imagination to keep up with the complex flavors dancing on our tongues. The Specialty Coffee experience offers a gateway to exploring the rich coffee culture from different parts of the world. Could these special beans provide a fresh perspective on a daily beverage we’ve grown so accustomed to?
- Taste the Origin
The flavors of Specialty Coffee: A World of complexity
Have you ever wondered about the hidden flavors in a cup of coffee? The rich layers of aromas that surprise your senses as soon as the coffee touches your nose, stimulating your taste buds and evoking emotions? Specialty coffee is a journey of exploration just like that. With its diversity and complexity, the flavors of specialty coffee carry the essence of where it originates—from the coffee variety to the soil, from processing methods to roasting techniques. But how can we truly recognize and fully appreciate these flavors? Join XLIII Coffee as we dive deeper into the art of specialty coffee!
- Taste the Origin
Descriptive Assessment in Coffee: The flavor understanding
In the specialty coffee industry, understanding the sensory attributes of products is crucial for meeting market demands and enhancing coffee value. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is the Descriptive Assessment in coffee. Let’s explore this method in detail, including its implementation process and its importance in the coffee industry.
- Describe the Origin
Resting Coffee: What is ideal time from roasting to resting?
Resting coffee (the coffee resting period) is a crucial step in enhancing and reaching the peak flavor of these small but powerful beans. This relatively short period plays a decisive role in creating a rich and balanced cup of coffee. This raises the question: why is coffee resting necessary, and what happens during this time? Let’s explore the chemical changes inside the coffee beans to find the answers with XLIII Coffee.
- Taste the Origin
What is coffee crust? Why is it important in cupping?
When participating in coffee cupping, you’ll encounter an essential term: coffee crust. This is not just the layer that forms on the surface after pouring hot water over ground coffee, but it also plays a crucial role in evaluating the flavor and quality of the coffee. To gain a deeper understanding of coffee crust and its significance, let’s dive into the details of this process.
- Taste the Origin
Revealing the attributes of Specialty Coffee
A cup of Specialty Coffee is not just an ordinary beverage; it’s a journey through layers of flavors and refined sensations. Attributes of specialty coffee are like fresh stroke of color, creating a perfect picture—from the enticing aroma to the lasting aftertaste. Have you ever wondered what sets apart a regular coffee from a high-quality Specialty Coffee? Or why these attributes are so crucial in the coffee world? Let’s dive into each aspect with XLIII Coffee to better understand the art and science behind every sip of specialty coffee.