sourcing

about our

sourcing

At 8th & Roast, our sourcing ethos is pretty simple:

find amazing coffees, pay well for them, and be a great partner.

sourcing coffees directly from producers is often more expensive, and presents unique logistical and operational challenges. because of this, most coffee roasters source their coffee exclusively through the offer sheets of large importers.

while this model makes great coffees from around the world accessible to everyone, and is an easier way to do business, the chance to build a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship directly with a producer can be lost.

relationship coffee

in early 2021, we began to prioritize relationships with producers above everything in our sourcing strategy. we started small—with just a couple of our core offerings, and in the years since, moved nearly every coffee we sell to this new ‘relationship coffee’ model.

we work alongside producers around the world to find great coffees and negotiate a price that they feel is worthy of the hard work and time they’ve invested. after a price is agreed on and a contract signed, we rely on an importer like our friends at bridging tables, hacienda la minita, and others to bring these coffees to the United States, and eventually, to your cup.

more than fairtrade.

the prices that we pay for our green coffees — regardless of whether they are directly sourced — are significantly higher than fairtrade minimum set prices .

fairtrade is a certification program that many coffee companies market to their customers as a sustainability initiative that benefits farmers. but these prices almost never amount to a living wage. in most cases, the fairtrade price alone is not enough to help producers and the people they employ live above the poverty line.

8th & Roast is committed to paying well for the coffees we buy, and buying them year after year, growing alongside the producers we work with.

origin story

Each year during harvest season, our team travels thousands of miles visiting farm partners across Latin America. Our long-term vision for sourcing includes even more travel, meeting new coffee growers in new origins and forging long-lasting partnerships.

We are proud to share these well-sourced and delicious coffees from around the world with you. With every cup brewed, you’re also a participant in the commitment we’ve made to find amazing coffees, pay well for them, and be a great partner.

These incredible coffees are easily accessible: stop by one of our streetside locations, order a bag of coffee delivered to your house, or contact us about wholesale coffee for your business.