For specialty coffee roasters, sourcing premium green coffee beans for roasters represents the foundation of quality and flavor development. The global green coffee market is projected to reach $34.1 billion by 2027, with specialty coffee accounting for over 20% of total volume. Selecting the right green beans—with optimal moisture content, density, and freshness—directly impacts roast profiles and final cup characteristics.
At Java Preanger, we specialize in providing roasters with meticulously processed green coffee beans from Indonesia’s finest arabica-growing regions. This comprehensive guide covers everything roasters need to know about sourcing, evaluating, and storing green coffee beans to achieve exceptional roasting results.
Table of Contents
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Understanding Green Coffee Bean Fundamentals
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Top Producing Regions for Roasters
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How to Evaluate Green Coffee Quality
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Optimal Storage Conditions for Green Beans
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2024 Green Coffee Market Trends
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The Complete Sourcing Process
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Building Relationships with Suppliers
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FAQ: Green Coffee Beans for Roasters
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Partnering with a Trusted Green Coffee Supplier
Understanding Green Coffee Bean Fundamentals
Key Characteristics of Premium Green Coffee:
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Moisture content: 10-12% (ideal for roasting)
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Density: Hard beans preferred (higher altitude growth)
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Color: Uniform blue-green (no yellowing or black spots)
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Size: Screen 15-18 for consistency
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Defects: ≤5 full defects per 350g sample (specialty grade)
Green Coffee vs Roasted Coffee:
| Characteristic | Green Coffee | Roasted Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf life | 12-18 months | 4-6 weeks |
| Weight loss | 0% | 15-20% |
| Caffeine content | Stable | Degrades over time |
| Flavor potential | Latent | Developed |
Pro Tip: Java Preanger green beans are hand-sorted to ensure ≤3 defects/350g, giving roasters exceptional raw material.
Top Producing Regions for Roasters
1. Indonesia (Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi)
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Flavor profile: Earthy, herbal (Sumatra); floral, clean (Java)
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Processing: Traditional wet-hulling (Giling Basah)
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Harvest: May-Sept (Java); Oct-Mar (Sumatra)
2. Ethiopia (Yirgacheffe, Sidamo)
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Flavor profile: Floral, citrusy, bright
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Processing: Washed and natural
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Harvest: Oct-Feb
3. Colombia (Huila, Nariño)
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Flavor profile: Balanced, caramel, medium acidity
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Processing: Washed
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Harvest: Main: Apr-Jul; Mitaca: Nov-Jan
Green Coffee Comparison:
| Origin | Screen Size | Density | Typical SCA Score | Price Range (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Java Preanger | 16-18 | High | 83-87 | $8-$12/kg |
| Sumatra Mandheling | 15-17 | High | 82-86 | $7-$11/kg |
| Ethiopia Yirgacheffe | 14-16 | Medium | 85-89 | $12-$18/kg |
How to Evaluate Green Coffee Quality
Visual Inspection Checklist:
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Color consistency (no discoloration)
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Bean uniformity (size and shape)
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Defect count (broken, insect-damaged, black beans)
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Moisture level (shouldn’t feel damp)
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Aroma (clean, no mustiness)
Physical Tests:
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Density: Float test (quality beans sink)
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Moisture: Moisture meter reading (10-12%)
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Screen size: Calibration screens for consistency
Roaster’s Insight: Always request 500g-1kg samples to conduct test roasts before large purchases.
Optimal Storage Conditions for Green Beans
Ideal Storage Parameters:
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Temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F)
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Humidity: 50-60% RH
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Packaging: Breathable jute or GrainPro bags
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Location: Dark, well-ventilated space
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Separation: Away from strong odors
Storage Life by Packaging:
| Packaging Type | Max Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Jute bags | 9-12 months |
| GrainPro | 12-18 months |
| Vacuum-sealed | 18-24 months |
Important: Rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) system to maintain freshness.
2024 Green Coffee Market Trends
Current Industry Developments:
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Direct trade growth: 25% increase in roasters sourcing directly
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Micro-lot demand: Small batches with unique profiles
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Price volatility: Climate impacts on supply
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Sustainability focus: Carbon-neutral shipping options
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Digital platforms: Online green coffee marketplaces expanding
Price Trends (FOB):
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Indonesian arabica: $8-$12/kg (+15% since 2022)
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Ethiopian specialty: $12-$20/kg (+20%)
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Colombian excelso: $10-$16/kg (+18%)
The Complete Sourcing Process
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Define your needs (volume, quality, price)
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Research suppliers (origin trips recommended)
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Request samples (multiple lots for comparison)
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Conduct test roasts (multiple profiles)
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Evaluate cuppings (SCA protocol)
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Negotiate terms (price, payment, delivery)
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Arrange logistics (shipping, insurance)
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Quality control (pre- and post-shipment)
Pro Tip: Java Preanger offers roast profile recommendations with each shipment based on bean characteristics.
Building Relationships with Suppliers
Best Practices:
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Visit origins annually if possible
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Communicate clearly about your needs
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Provide feedback on each lot
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Consider long-term contracts for stability
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Pay promptly to build trust
Supplier Evaluation Criteria:
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Quality consistency
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Transparency (origin, processing)
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Reliability (on-time delivery)
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Communication (responsiveness)
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Flexibility (order sizes, payment terms)
FAQ: Green Coffee Beans for Roasters
1. What’s the minimum order quantity?
Most suppliers require 60kg (1 bag), with better pricing at 250kg+.
2. How soon after harvest should I roast?
Optimal window is 2-10 months post-harvest for peak flavor.
3. What certifications should I look for?
Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance are most valuable.
4. How do I calculate green coffee needs?
Estimate 1.25kg green coffee yields 1kg roasted (20% weight loss).
5. What’s the best way to evaluate samples?
Roast to both light and medium profiles, then cup blind.
Partnering with a Trusted Green Coffee Supplier
For roasters seeking exceptional green coffee beans for roasters, Java Preanger offers:
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Direct relationships with Indonesian farmers
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SCA 83+ graded specialty lots
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Flexible ordering from samples to containers
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Technical support including roast profiling
Ready to source premium green coffee? Request our current offerings with complete cupping reports.