What should a good middleman do?

Middlemen are responsible for a lot of the inequality in the coffee industry, but they are also a vital part of it. Even in the age of direct trade, they are often the invisible force that helps farmers and roasters build relationships and get the goods from A to B. So instead of trying to cut them out, why not find good middlemen and hold them accountable to these high and verifiable standards?

Spread trust along the chain

A higher price for coffee is great, but by no means the final frontier. A value chain in which everyone shares trust and responsibility is. Sadly, today’s trade houses have become huge and powerful by keeping information hidden and exploiting farmers. But what if instead of a wall, middlemen were a conduit of information - and trust? We spread the trust we gained in our partners so that value chains can become teams: compassionate to each other’s needs and cooperatively deciding what to produce, in which way and for what price.

learn about our vision

2. come back every year

We can talk about unstable prices, a changing climate or pests and diseases - but nothing is more destructive for a coffee farmer than not showing up the next harvest. Instead of always shopping for the perfect cupping score or taste profile, middlemen should provide continuous support to the farmers they buy from and help them upgrade quality to the standards of their customers. Only then can they build the stability and lasting bond for any true economic, social and environmental sustainability to take place.

our list of origin partners

3. Commit to REAL transparency
FOR ALL COFFEES

Middlemen should do all in their power to show their “nakedness” about who they bought from and for which price. In our case, that means up to date price and value chain breakdowns of 100% of the coffees we sell. In the coffee origins page, anyone has access to all contracts, shipping documents and producer contacts from every import we did in the last years. Instead of using fancy blockchain apps that try to replace trust, we encourage roasters to build the same trust that we have with the producers we buy from.

Our grower profiles

4. partner with local heroes

Many farmers grow coffee because there are no other economic opportunities. They will and they should leave farming as soon as other opportunities present. To tackle the current coffee price and climate crisis, we need to partner with serious farmers that have vision, business sense and want to be a source of inspiration for their communities. A middleman should seek out these golden partners and help them invest in social and ecological justice in creative and lasting ways.

who we are

5. grow naturally

Profits are essential, but financial growth targets are dangerous. They encourage cutting ethical corners and limit bold, long-term business decisions. A good middleman grows at the pace of the grower and roaster partners who are inspired by them, and reinvests profits in the creators of the value of the coffee. We are proud not to have any outside investors breathing down our necks demanding growth: this gives us the headspace to stay in close connection to our partners, stay true to our vision and creatively keep expanding it together.

six ways to trade through us

6. provide TRANSPARENT and
personal service

Experience is everything in coffee trade. From knowing how to react to logistics crises to creating an ecosystem of the best shipping partners, middlemen usually know best. Although coffee importing is complex, it is by no means rocket science - so demand insight into the prices and partners your trader maintains to avoid overpaying. Also, a personal online environment ensures contact with your middleman can be about making exciting plans for the future instead of things that are lost, broken and unclear.

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