Direct trade beans

These beans were purchased using a direct trade platform. Direct trade means direct transactions, but for a store like ours to deal directly with a farm, we have to go through a lot of complicated procedures. We also need to trade in a reasonable volume.

So, we use a direct trade platform to do what you might call "joint purchasing" with other stores. This removes the barrier to purchasing the amount of goods, and the platform handles the transportation and import procedures, as well as communication with local people. Import procedures are generally not something that an individual can do.

At first glance, this method seems no different from going through a regular green bean trading company, but the advantage of the direct trade platform is that the store can select the green beans themselves, which is usually done by trading companies, and it is easier to get their voices heard by the farmers. In terms of contributing to the producing country, there may not be much difference between direct trade and going through a trading company, but we believe that strengthening the connection with local people is important for continuing to procure coffee in the future (sustainably), so we are gradually increasing the number of direct trade beans we handle.

Currently, our direct trade beans are sourced through the direct trade platform TYPICA.