The journey from coffee cherry to your cup is a complex one, involving multiple locations and stages before it arrives at the roasting facility. At the heart of this journey lies the critical role of a green coffee importer. These importers are responsible for identifying and delivering coffees to roasters promptly while maintaining the highest quality standards.

At EFICO, we operate across both coffee-producing and consuming countries, serving as the vital connection between coffee farmers and roasters. We are dedicated to discovering quality coffee and actively participating in its development by collaborating with grower partners to improve quality and ensure timely delivery to our roaster partners. We enable producers and roasters to concentrate on their core expertise: roasting and delivering outstanding coffee.

EFICO’s CEO Michel Germanès and EFICO Central America’s director Renaud Cuchet tell us why EFICO is not just an importer of green coffee. In this interview they cover all facets of EFICO’s role as an importer of green coffee, debunking the myths, revealing the mysteries and highlighting unprecedented or underestimated issues.

NOT JUST TRAVELLING THE WORLD

An importer might visit farms, wet mills, and green coffee processing facilities two to three times a year to help maintain their relationship with the producers and exporters, check on the harvest, and ensure that (the supply chain is performing normally) things are progressing smoothly; The rest of the year they’re checking in through Skype, zoom, teams, traveling to meet with their customers, or spending time at the office buying and selling coffee.

But let’s admit it, nothing beats the allure of the coffee farm as the ultimate workplace…

SOURCING COFFEE IN THE ORIGINS

Our sourcing process revolves around navigating the diverse origins of coffee. With over 97 years of experience in discovering new profiles and coffees, we deeply value the importance of long standing relationships. This recognition drives us to travel, fostering connections with both existing and potential coffee grower partners.

While we maintain a strong focus on regions like Brazil, Central America, and Ethiopia, where we have established offices, we also expand our sourcing efforts to include coffees from Kenya, Tanzania, Colombia, Peru, and beyond. Our primary objective is to align specific needs with precise profiles and desired quality levels, showcasing well-executed sourcing practices.

We specialize in sourcing coffees tailored to pre-season requests. Additionally, we offer “spot coffees” available in our warehouse, which you can promptly request for delivery.

CHECKING & MONITORING THE VOLATILE COFFEE MARKET

According to Michel Germanès, CEO of EFICO, being a coffee importer requires staying informed about market dynamics. “Prices are always in flux,” he says. “For instance, a drought in Brazil might cause prices to rise, whereas a bumper crop in Ethiopia could result in lower prices for favorites like Yirgacheffe. Vigilantly tracking market trends and factors influencing pricing is fundamental to the coffee importers’ daily operations. We are active in the field of prices and market knowledge every day, we closely understand the value of different products and offer valuable insights into the prices applicable at that specific time.”

ENSURING COFFEE QUALITY, ANYTIME & ANYWHERE

"As coffee is a natural product, each batch possesses a unique cup profile", Michel explains. "Our dedication lies in ensuring that every coffee undergoes thorough evaluation by our cupping teams, both at origin and upon arrival.
Led by certified Q graders, our teams meticulously assess various parameters, including cup score, profile, moisture content, green quality and screen size, to determine whether the batch meets the specifications set out in a coffee contract. Some coffees may undergo multiple cupping sessions over time to observe any changes in their characteristics. Whether it's a type, stock, pre-shipment, or spot coffee, all are subjected to our quality laboratories. At EFICO we attach great importance to food integrity; we take responsibility for selecting suppliers who can deliver safe and authentic coffee. To achieve this, our quality department has implemented a robust food safety protocol and supplier approval process."

MOVING COFFEE FROM THE FIELD TO THE ROASTERY

Importing green coffee from the origin to Europa, it's a beast that you can not do without heavy investment and good support. The logistics alone of moving a container of coffee from origin, into a port, onto a boat, into a port, and into a warehouse are mind numbing...

Michel explains: "Logistics, the science of moving commodities from point A to point B, is another important part of the importing business. And it requires patience, problem-solving, and a huge amount of determination. When dealing with remote terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and the bureaucracies of emerging economies, delays are almost inevitable. This underscores the need for resilience and adaptability in the import business."

ADDING VALUE TO BOTH SIDES OF THE VALUE CHAIN

"Coffee importers (should) support producers by helping them finance and move their coffee to market, as well as through social causes: helping to build community buildings, providing farming best practices education, or supporting the next gen in coffee." Michel explains: "At the start of the EFICO FOUNDATION two decades ago, our intention was not only to change the quality of life of the coffee community, but also to create a meaningful framework for how we want to interact with suppliers, how to establish partnerships with a purpose, and how to create value in the supply chain. This goes beyond ourselves, it is an approach, it is a model, a framework. It is an obligation to ourselves and our partners."

"Our strong partnership with coffee origin growers and suppliers gives us valuable insight into the needs of these communities", EFICO's Central America's Director Renaud Cuchet explains. "To address these needs effectively, we've launched specific projects. Our aim is to actively contribute to the betterment of coffee communities. You're welcome to join us in supporting these initiatives."

SHARING COFFEE INSIGHTS

Importers serve as a vital channel for knowledge within the coffee industry. Their unique engagement with both producers and consumers enables them to share valuable insights with everyone involved in their business.

Thanks to our direct connections with our coffee producing partners, we can share compelling stories and essential details about their coffee. At EFICO we keep these stories current, reflecting the continuous improvements in quality and volume made by growers each season. In today's environment, where transparency and traceability are highly valued, it's our responsibility and privilege to provide valuable information that assists in effectively marketing coffee.

This knowledge dissemination often takes various forms, such as cupping sessions, educational workshops, provision of training materials, and dissemination of farm-specific information. At EFICO we frequently team up with certified Q Graders, roasters, and baristas, not only to ensure the highest coffee quality but also to educate their clientele on the optimal practices for each coffee variety.

Michels concludes: "EFICO is not just any coffee importer. EFICO has established relationships not only with the farmer partners or the roaster partners, but with many others along the logistical path. We all can can help make a great deal for both ends of the coffee supply chain."

"EFICO, indeed, stands out in the realm of coffee importers", Renaud adds. "With EFICO, you're not merely dealing with a standard importer; we are renowned for our commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing practices. We collaborate closely with coffee producers, fostering long-term relationships aimed at improving livelihoods and environmental practices within the coffee-growing communities. EFICO's approach typically encompasses fair trade principles, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, making them a distinctive player in the coffee industry."