1. Know your flavor profile and roasting style

Every roastery has its own identity — whether it’s bright and fruity filter roasts or deep, syrupy espresso blends. The first step in choosing green coffee is understanding what flavor profile fits your vision. A Colombian washed Caturra won’t serve the same purpose as a Brazilian natural or a Vietnamese honey Robusta. Defining your target cup helps narrow your sourcing and avoid random buying.

At SONECA Coffee, we help roasters align their flavor objectives with the right origins and processes — so each purchase supports a coherent offer on the shelf and in the cup.

2. Understand the key variables: origin, variety, and process

Three factors largely determine how a coffee will taste: where it’s grown, what variety it is, and how it’s processed.

• Origin — influences climate, altitude, and soil. Ethiopia or Colombia often bring higher acidity, while Brazil or Vietnam offer body and sweetness.
• Variety — from Typica and Bourbon to Catuaí and SL28, each has a signature profile and behavior during roasting.
• Processing — washed, honey, or natural processes change the balance between clarity, sweetness, and mouthfeel.

Understanding these parameters is the foundation of consistent sourcing — and the best way to communicate flavor clearly to your customers.

3. Don’t ignore logistics and freshness

Even the best coffee loses its potential if stored or shipped poorly. Ask about harvest date, storage humidity, and packaging. A fresh-crop coffee stored in a bonded warehouse like Antwerp ensures stability and traceability until roasting. Freight, customs, and storage may not sound glamorous — but they determine how your green coffee actually performs in the drum.

That’s why SONECA partners with professional logistics hubs to maintain quality from origin to delivery.

4. Cup, compare, and document

Cupping isn’t just for Q-graders — it’s your best tool for decision-making. Always taste before committing to volume, compare multiple samples side by side, and take notes. Over time, these records help you track consistency and refine your purchasing criteria.

We provide cupping datasheets and profiles for each available lot, helping you evaluate with confidence and transparency.

5. Build long-term relationships

Choosing green coffee is more than a transaction. It’s about building trust with partners who understand your needs and can secure reliable supply season after season. Long-term relationships allow better forecasting, more stable pricing, and better quality at every shipment.

SONECA Coffee works directly with exporters and cooperatives who share this approach — so you can grow sustainably, one harvest at a time.