SCAA Coffee Distributors

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), of which many coffee distributors are members, published an article by Don Holly in 1998 in its Specialty Coffee Chronicle in which he discussed the question of defining specialty coffee.

He wrote,

“My understanding of the origin of the term ‘specialty coffee’ is that it was first coined by Erna Knutsen, of Knutsen Coffee Ltd., in a speech to the delegates of an international coffee conference in Montreuil, France, in 1978. In essence, the concept was quite simple: special geographic microclimates produce beans with unique flavor profiles, which she referred to as ‘specialty coffees’. Underlying this idea of coffee appellations was the fundamental premise that specialty coffee beans would always be well prepared, freshly roasted, and properly brewed. This was the craft of the specialty coffee industry that had been slowly evolving during the twenty-year period preceding her speech. The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) continues to define specialty in this context.”

Many coffee drinkers now are more discerning than their ancestors and so are looking to buy from specialty coffee distributors rather than buying the more obvious brands of everyday drinking coffee. So whether you prefer a single origin coffee or a blended one there are numerous coffee distributors ready and able to supply a multitude of coffee varieties including organic, fair trade and decaf varieties.

Many specialty coffee distributors realize that as well as providing bulk supplies to restaurants, coffee houses and offices they need to provide a service to individuals. With the increase of home coffee machines people are looking to try a variety of different coffees. They may want a mild coffee from South America or a richer coffee from Africa.

One specialty coffee distributor, the Mountain Pass Coffee Company, also provides Bird Friendly varieties. These beans come from plants which are grown in the shade of other trees which provide a safe environment for birds and other wildlife.

So take some time to do a little research and you are sure to find a selection of coffee distributors that suit your needs.

Gourmet coffee distributors may have started out as dealing in the wholesale market, but many will now sell in smaller quantities to individual buyers. The appreciation of gourmet coffee has grown, and with it the increase in homes having their own coffee machines, so coffee drinkers now want to be able to taste gourmet coffee in the comfort of their own homes.

Coffee Distributors Educate!

Gourmet coffee distributors not only supply a wide range of coffees to their customers, but, in many cases, will also seek to pass on their knowledge of different coffees and educate their customers in the characteristics of a good coffee and the style of roasting that will produce a particular flavor.

As an example, one of the gourmet coffee distributors, the Java Estate Roastery in North Carolina, has pages on its website explaining the component characteristics and degree of roast which combine to produce a gourmet coffee. The main characteristics which define a coffee are body, acidity, flavor and aroma. They also explain the differences between the four main roasts which are light-roast, medium-roast, dark-roast and Espresso which is the traditional Italian style of roasting coffee.

Most of the gourmet coffee distributors sell Arabica beans from around the world. Where a bean is grown can give it different attributes. A bean grown in South America can produce a totally different flavor to one grown in Africa. Often the coffee distributors will sell in large packs of 2lb or 5lb, but will also make their coffees available in 8oz, 12oz or 1lb packs for their retail and individual customers. In fact some will even do 2oz “taster” packs so that people have a chance to try out a new coffee. This way they can decide if it is to their liking before making a larger purchase.

In keeping with the varied demand of customers coffee distributors will provide single origin, flavored and blended coffees as well as decaf varieties, organic and fair-trade coffees.

Wholesale coffee distributors will sell in large quantities not normally purchased by the average household. They will supply coffee (and often tea) to retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes and other businesses who need coffee in bulk on a regular basis.

Wholesale coffee distributors are not new – one company, Gillies Coffee, has been operating since 1840. The New York based Gillies Coffee Company offers many things that good coffee distributors should offer. They provide a wide range of freshly roasted coffee and are able to offer coffee shops their own private label in unique packaging.

Tips For Finding Wholesale Coffee Distributors

If you are looking for a wholesale coffee distributor then there are certain things you should take into consideration:

• Does the distributor provide freshly roasted coffee? If the supplier roasts the coffee to order then you are assured of the freshest tasting coffee.
• What experience does the distributor have? If a company has been around for a long time then it is a good sign that they are keeping their customers satisfied. However, do not assume that if a company is new it does not have the knowledge the others have. Check out the credentials of those running the company as they may have gained knowledge at other companies before setting up their own coffee distributor.
• Look for a coffee distributor that has a passion for what they do. Listen to how they talk about the coffee they supply. They should be able to talk knowledgeably about the coffee they buy in and the qualities of different coffees from different areas.
• Check how the coffee distributor prepares and roasts the coffee they will be supplying. You want fresh, good tasting coffee so maybe check if they use micro roasters.

There are so many wholesale coffee distributors, including gourmet coffee distributors, and other specialty coffee distributors. So at the end of the day try the coffees of a few different coffee distributors until you find the one that is right for you.