Transparency
Follow the Dollar
When you pay for a bag of specialty coffee, where does that money actually go? We break down the supply chain economics at every price point.
Commodity Coffee ($8/bag)
Farmer gets: $0.40 of $8
Farmer
5%
Exporter
8%
Importer
12%
Roaster
35%
Retailer
40%
The farmer gets 40 cents. The retailer gets $3.20. This is why commodity coffee is a poverty trap.
Grocery Specialty ($14/bag)
Farmer gets: $1.40 of $14
Farmer
10%
Exporter
8%
Importer
12%
Roaster
35%
Retailer
35%
Better, but the farmer is still making less than $2. The 'specialty' label adds margin for everyone except the grower.
Direct Trade Specialty ($22/bag)
Farmer gets: $4.84 of $22
Farmer
22%
Exporter
5%
Importer
8%
Roaster
40%
Retailer
25%
Now we're talking. Direct trade cuts out middlemen and the farmer sees real money. This is the sweet spot.
Competition-Grade ($45/bag)
Farmer gets: $13.50 of $45
Farmer
30%
Exporter
5%
Importer
8%
Roaster
37%
Retailer
20%
At this level, the farmer is being compensated for exceptional work. This is what equity looks like.
Auction Gesha ($120/bag)
Farmer gets: $54.00 of $120
Farmer
45%
Exporter
3%
Importer
5%
Roaster
30%
Retailer
17%
The farmer gets $54. This is the dream — but it only works for the top 0.1% of coffees. The system needs to work for everyone.