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The difference between specialty coffee and commodity coffee

3.1 Definition and origin of commodity coffee

Commodity coffee is the term used to refer to lower-quality coffee produced and sold in large quantities. This coffee is often used in mass consumption products such as instant coffee, cheap espresso machines, and as filler in coffee blends. Commodity coffee is sometimes also called 'regular coffee' and is therefore different from specialty coffee.

The origin of commodity coffee can be traced back to colonial times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, European colonists extensively planted coffee in colonies such as Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia. The coffee trees grew rapidly and produced large quantities of coffee beans. This coffee was exported to Europe and other parts of the world, where it became popular due to its low price.

In the years following World War II, the production of commodity coffee was further modernized and industrialized with the introduction of machinery. This enabled farmers to cultivate coffee more efficiently and on a larger scale. Commodity coffee became increasingly cheaper and thus more popular among consumers.

Although commodity coffee is popular due to its attractive price, it also has disadvantages. Due to large-scale production, the coffee beans are often harvested mechanically rather than by hand. This leads to less selective harvesting, resulting in beans of varying quality being mixed. Additionally, the beans are often processed and roasted on a large scale, resulting in the loss of flavor and no distinction being made between different coffee flavors.

As a result of these drawbacks, specialty coffee has emerged in recent decades. While specialty coffee focuses on quality and flavor, commodity coffee is mainly focused on quantity and low prices at the expense of quality.

3.2 The difference between commodity coffee and specialty coffee

Commodity coffee is characterized by a uniform taste and is made from beans sourced from larger coffee farms. These beans are often blended to create a consistent flavor and are sold to wholesalers and processors at a low price.

Specialty coffee, on the other hand, is made from high-quality beans sourced from smaller coffee farms. These beans are carefully selected and quality-assessed by expert tasters, making each harvest unique in flavor. The beans are individually roasted to achieve the optimal flavor, and therefore, each batch has its own characteristic flavor profile.

An important feature of specialty coffee is traceability. When buying specialty coffee, you know where the beans come from, who has grown them, and how they have been processed. This provides a sense of connection between the coffee farmer and the consumer, and it also ensures that the farmer receives a fair and just price for their work.

Although the price of specialty coffee is higher than commodity coffee, there are many benefits to drinking specialty coffee. It has better taste and quality and can provide a more satisfying and enriching experience than an everyday cup of coffee.

3.3 The benefits of drinking specialty coffee over commodity coffee

Specialty coffee is defined as the highest quality coffee beans grown, harvested, processed, roasted, and brewed in a special way. Compared to commodity coffee, specialty coffee offers many benefits for both coffee lovers and producers.

Better taste and aroma
Specialty coffee beans are carefully selected and roasted to emphasize the unique flavor profiles that each coffee can offer. Unlike commodity coffee grown anywhere in the world, specialty coffee has a unique terroir, of which coffee farmers know exactly how to take advantage. The result is a coffee with better taste and aroma than commodity coffee.

Sustainability
Specialty coffee is often grown by small producers who depend on coffee cultivation for their livelihoods. These farmers typically receive a fair price for their specialty coffee, allowing them to invest in the quality of their coffee and in sustainable production methods. This, in turn, promotes sustainability in the coffee industry as a whole.

Health benefits
Specialty coffee provides more nutrients such as antioxidants than commodity coffee. Drinking a cup of specialty coffee can help reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, liver diseases, and even some forms of cancer.

Cultural awareness
Specialty coffee also offers an opportunity for coffee lovers to become aware of the culture and history of their cup of coffee. Since specialty coffee beans often come from specific regions, consumers can reduce their coffee footprint while also providing support to local communities.

A special experience
Specialty coffee is not just a drink; it is a whole experience. From the care with which the coffee beans are selected and roasted to the way the barista prepares the coffee. It's about attention, love, and craftsmanship. Unlike commodity coffee, which is mass-produced, specialty coffee offers a unique taste, aroma, and experience for each consumer.

As a coffee lover, drinking specialty coffee is truly worth it. It not only offers better taste and aroma, but it also supports sustainable coffee production and provides a culturally conscious experience that cannot be found in commodity coffee.

3.4 Why is sustainability an important factor in the global coffee market?

Sustainability is an important factor in the global coffee market because it has a significant impact on the quality, availability, and price of coffee. Consumers and businesses are increasingly interested in sustainably produced coffee because they understand that coffee production and consumption have an impact on the environment and economic development in coffee-producing countries.

Sustainability not only concerns the environmental aspects of coffee production but also the social and economic aspects. Many coffee-producing countries face challenges such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. Sustainable coffee production can help improve the living conditions of coffee farmers, their communities, and ensure their rights.

In addition to the social benefits, sustainable coffee production also offers economic benefits for coffee farmers and producing countries. Through the added value created by the production of sustainable, traceable, and ethically sourced specialty coffee, coffee farmers and farmer cooperatives can receive a better price for their products. This translates into more income for coffee farmers, better working conditions for workers, and greater economic development in coffee-producing countries.

Sustainability is also an important factor for the future of the coffee industry. Climate change and other ecological challenges have a significant impact on coffee production. Sustainable coffee production practices can help mitigate the negative effects of these changes and ensure the future availability and quality of coffee.

Furthermore, consumers are increasingly willing to pay extra for sustainably produced coffee, meaning that there are opportunities for producers, importers, and retailers of specialty coffee to focus on the sustainable aspects of coffee production.

Finally, sustainability is an important topic within the entire specialty coffee community. Specialty coffee is used to operating above standards, especially when it comes to transparency around the purchase of green coffee. There are several certificates to ensure the traceability and sustainability of coffee. All of this is to ensure sustainable coffee production, which is absolutely necessary for the future of coffee production and consumption.