Most coffee roasters buy green coffee from importers, who source lots at origin, ship them, and sell them by the bag from a warehouse near the roaster. Larger roasters may contract directly with exporters or farms. Either way the steps are similar: choose an origin, request samples, cup them, agree on price and quantity, then arrange delivery and storage.
Who sells green coffee to roasters?
| Seller | How it works | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Importer | Buys at origin, ships, warehouses, sells by the bag on "spot" or by forward contract | Small to large roasters |
| Broker | Connects buyers and sellers for a fee, often without holding stock | Mid to large roasters |
| Direct trade importer | Buys directly from farms or washing stations and sells to roasters with full traceability | Roasters who want relationship coffee |
| Home-roaster retailer | Sells green coffee in 1 to 5 lb bags | Home and sample roasters |
Buna Utopia is a direct trade importer of Ethiopian coffee. Learn the difference in importer vs broker and what direct trade means.
Step 1: Choose your origins and profile
Start from your menu. A roaster building a fruity single-origin pour-over might pick a natural Guji; one needing a sweet, full-bodied espresso component might pick a natural Sidamo. Compare origins in our Ethiopian coffee regions guide.
Step 2: Read the offer sheet
Importers publish offer sheets listing origin, region, process, grade, screen size, crop year, cup score, bag size, quantity available, warehouse location and price per pound. For Ethiopian coffee, check the grade (Grade 1 is the top export grade) and the screen size.
Step 3: Request samples and cup them
Ask for green samples of 100 to 300 g, sample-roast them, and cup using a consistent protocol, usually the SCA cupping method. Score the coffees, note defects, and check that the cup matches the offer sheet. A good supplier sends samples free or at low cost. Buna Utopia sends free cupping samples.
Step 4: Spot or forward?
Spot coffee is already landed and sitting in a warehouse; you buy it and receive it within days or weeks. Forward contracts reserve coffee from an upcoming shipment or harvest at an agreed price, which secures supply but requires planning months ahead. Small roasters mostly buy spot; growing roasters add forward contracts for their core coffees.
Step 5: Agree quantity, price and terms
Ethiopian coffee usually ships in jute bags of about 50 to 60 kg (110 to 132 lb). Many importers set minimums of one or more full bags, a pallet, or even a container. Specialty prices are quoted per pound and vary with grade, cup score, origin and volume. Confirm payment terms, who pays freight, and whether the price is delivered or ex-warehouse.
Step 6: Delivery, storage and arrival samples
Arrange freight from the warehouse, or pick up locally. Store green coffee cool, dry and off the floor, ideally in bags with hermetic liners, and use it within about 12 to 18 months. Cup an arrival sample to confirm it matches what you approved.
Common mistakes new roasters make
- Buying a large lot without cupping a sample first.
- Ignoring crop year and buying old coffee at new-crop prices.
- Committing to container minimums before demand is proven.
- Storing green coffee in a hot or humid space.
Buying Ethiopian green coffee from Buna Utopia
Buna Utopia imports Grade 1 natural Guji and Sidamo (and Yirgacheffe) directly from Ethiopia and supplies roasters and cafes in the US and Canada. There is no minimum order: buy 12 oz retail bags to test, or 110 lb (50 kg) burlap bags for production. Samples are free, in-stock lots ship within about 2 weeks, and lots sourced from Ethiopia take 4 to 6 weeks. Detroit-area roasters can get direct delivery. Request wholesale pricing and samples, or read how to buy Ethiopian coffee with no minimum order.
Frequently asked questions
Where do coffee roasters buy green coffee?
Mostly from green coffee importers, plus brokers, direct trade importers and, for very small roasters, home-roasting retailers.
What is the minimum order for green coffee?
It varies. Many importers sell by the full bag (about 110 to 150 lb), some by the pallet or container. Buna Utopia has no minimum order.
What is the difference between spot and forward green coffee?
Spot coffee is already in a warehouse and ships quickly. Forward coffee is reserved from a future shipment or harvest at an agreed price.
How long does green coffee last?
Stored cool and dry, green coffee keeps its quality for about 12 to 18 months.
Do importers send free samples?
Many do. Buna Utopia sends free cupping samples to roasters and cafes.
Written by Alula Kassa, founder of Buna Utopia, a direct-trade Ethiopian coffee importer based in Detroit, Michigan. Read more about Alula.
