With a plethora of coffee roasters available to choose from, we wanted to share our almost decade of experience to help cafe owners, especially beginners, understand the key factors to consider when choosing a supplier. 

Here's a comprehensive guide designed to help you navigate the process:

1. Quality and Consistency 

The cornerstone of any coffee program is the quality of the beans. Look for a supplier that is renowned for sourcing high-quality, specialty-grade coffee beans from reputable coffee farms and cooperatives. Quality assurance is also vital; ensure that the supplier maintains strict quality control measures to deliver consistent flavour profiles with every batch of beans.

2. Roasting Expertise & Product Knowledge

Consider the roasting expertise of the supplier. Look for roasters who are passionate about their craft and have a deep understanding of coffee roasting techniques. A supplier with skilled roasters can bring out the best flavours and nuances in the beans, resulting in exceptional coffee experiences for your customers. Working with a supplier who has spent time on farms and understands the product from an origin perspective can also be a huge benefit. Here at Old Quarter, we source all our own green beans direct from farmers which gives our roasters a deeper understanding of how to get the best out of the product.

3. Product Range

Assess the supplier's range of coffees and additional products to ensure they align with your cafe's menu. Ideally, choose a supplier that offers a diverse selection of single-origin coffees, blends, and seasonal offerings to provide variety and interest to your customers as well as cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Bespoke blends tailored to your cafe's unique identity can help set you apart from your competitors. Likewise, a curated list of teas, chocolate and chai can save you time in the long run and ensure a cohesive, quality offering.

4. Ethical Sourcing Practices 

Ethical sourcing is increasingly important to customers and is very important to ensure the sustainability of the coffee industry in general. Seek out suppliers who buy directly from coffee farmers. Find out if they pay farmers fairly and support sustainable farming practices. Transparency in sourcing is key; choose suppliers who can provide detailed information about their producer partners. Be aware that simply listing farmer names or origin details on the website or product labels doesn’t guarantee anything regarding the traceability of the supply chain. Do some digging!

5. Support and Training 

Look for a supplier that offers comprehensive support and training for cafe owners and staff. From barista training and brewing workshops to technical support and equipment maintenance, a supplier who invests in your success will ensure you are able to deliver exceptional coffee experiences to your customers despite staff changes

6. Flexibility and Scalability 

Consider the flexibility and scalability of the supplier's offerings. As your cafe grows, your coffee needs may evolve. Choose a supplier who can accommodate your changing requirements and scale their services accordingly. Most cafe-coffee roaster relationships last years, so thinking ahead is key. You may want to start with one blend, but eventually, add a second grinder for a single-origin black espresso, or you may want to add a retail coffee offering and require a complete upskill of your team, as well as new equipment and information. Whether you're opening a new cafe or expanding your existing operations, a flexible supplier should be able to grow with you every step of the way.

7. Value-added Services 

Evaluate the value-added services offered by the supplier. This may include assistance with menu development, marketing support, branding and business operation consultation, or access to exclusive events and promotions. Suppliers who go the extra mile to support your business beyond just supplying coffee beans can add significant value to your partnership. Many moving parts affect a cafe business, and choosing a supplier who can not only boost your brand awareness in the market but also become an advisor is a truly valuable thing. You don’t want to choose a supplier where you are just another “account” to them, or you are missing a valuable piece in the partnership.

8. Reputation and Reviews 

Research the reputation of potential suppliers within the coffee community. Seek recommendations from fellow cafe owners, try potential suppliers’ coffees in other cafes, attend industry events and trade shows, and read reviews and testimonials online. If they have their own cafes, visit them in person and read their cafe reviews. You want to be equipped with as much information about a supplier as possible before you commit to an agreement with them for a potentially long time. 

9. Cost and Pricing Structure 

While quality should be your primary consideration, it's essential to assess the cost and pricing structure of potential suppliers to ensure they align with your budget and business goals. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and consider factors such as shipping costs, minimum order requirements, and payment terms when evaluating the overall value proposition. When choosing a supplier, you also need to consider lock-in contracts and what potential risks or benefits that come with being locked in. Never sign a contract without reviewing it thoroughly.

10. Compatibility and Chemistry 

Finally, trust your instincts and consider the compatibility and chemistry between you and the supplier. Building a strong, collaborative relationship based on trust, communication, and mutual respect is essential for long-term success. Schedule meetings or tastings with potential suppliers to get a sense of their values, communication style, and commitment to your partnership.

By considering these key factors and conducting thorough research, you can choose the perfect specialty coffee supplier that meets your cafe's needs, aligns with your values, and helps you deliver exceptional coffee experiences to your customers. 

Remember that selecting the right supplier is not just about buying coffee beans; it's about creating a partnership that sets the foundation for your cafe's success in the competitive specialty coffee market. 

Old Quarter Coffee can be that partner. We’re proudly Australia’s only specialty coffee company sourcing, roasting and serving 100% Asian green beans direct from smallholder farmers.

Our mission is to change lives through coffee and to pioneer Southeast Asian specialty coffee in the Australian coffee industry. We showcase exceptional and rare coffees from emerging growing regions for everyone to enjoy.

We offer our partners no lock-in contracts, we want you to stay with us because you want to. Because you love what we do. 

If you are interested in becoming a partner our process is this: 

• Chat with our partnership success manager. 
• If we’re a good fit for each other, organise a tasting. 
• Then proposal. 
• Then onboarding. 
• Training, ongoing support, equipment maintenance and consultation. 

Click here to schedule a chat with our Partner Success Manager to learn more about our wholesale program.

Alternatively, head to our Wholesale page for more information.