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Field visits and cupping trips play a crucial role in our commitment to sourcing the finest lots, fostering producer relationships, and maintaining a strong presence throughout the entire product cycle. We travel to each origin several times a year and we love going with our customers.
During field visits, roasters can develop a deeper, more cultural connection to the coffees they buy. For those buying coffee from a specific origin or region, it is a chance to see the direct impact of your purchasing and to meet the farmers or washing station behind your coffee. It’s also an opportunity for producers to learn more about roasting and where their coffee goes. There will be time to take photos and videos that you can then use for your own marketing material.
On cupping trips, roasters are part of our purchasing process with exclusive access to early selections which can substantially save costs.
Some trips may blend farm visits with cupping sessions.
COULD THIS BE SOMETHING FOR YOU?
Our origin trips are for coffee professionals with green coffee purchasing responsibilities. Although such trips come with a lot of work and a busy schedule, you will be able to escape from your everyday routine, enjoy spectacular scenery, and meet the coolest people.
You will always be accompanied by one of our expert buyers or a sales representative, and we will plan the entire schedule and all transportation logistics at origin. You will need to arrange hotel bookings, flights, visas, travel insurance, and necessary vaccinations, but we will of course provide you with recommendations and necessary guidance.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE?
Generally, you will need a valid visa and a valid travel document to enter foreign countries. Check the embassy or government sites for each country you plan to visit.
Be aware of your insurance coverage—make sure it covers travel, and if not, book separate travel coverage for the duration of your trip. Also make sure your travel insurance has medical coverage (not just luggage, cancelled flights, etc.) and that it covers travel to the specific country—some companies won't cover travel to certain developing nations or areas where there may be unrest.
Make sure to be up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Check with your local doctor or government organizations (e.g. CDC for those in the USA) regarding recommended vaccinations and medications before traveling to all coffee origin countries—often, it varies depending on which regions you’ll be visiting.
UPCOMING TRAVEL PLANS
ETHIOPIA CUPPING TRIP
Mid or end of March
With the season wrapping up, March is an ideal time to visit Ethiopia for cupping. On this trip, you'll actively participate in our evaluation process, cupping a diverse range of coffees with the goal of making buying decisions. You'll join our suppliers in Addis Ababa to cup offer samples or pre-shipment samples.
Tips
- You will organise your own flights. We can provide you with flight recommendations if needed.
- We will take care of the cupping schedule and potential warehouse or supplier visits.
- We can organise accommodation bookings, but you will still cover the necessary costs.
- As a daily estimate, we recommend planning for $30–50 USD to cover lunch/dinner, taxis, etc.
- Visitors to Ethiopia must obtain a visa from the official Ethiopian e-visa platform or from their nearest Ethiopian Embassy before travelling.
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