Our recent origin trip to Vietnam marked a significant milestone in our quest to bring exceptional specialty coffees to American coffee lovers. This trip held immense importance for us for several reasons, the foremost being Vietnam's rich and complex history. The country has a vibrant cultural tapestry and a fascinating past, which invariably shapes the unique character of its coffees.
Vietnam's prominence in the coffee world cannot be overstated, as it stands as the world's second-largest coffee-producing region. However, what makes our pursuit particularly intriguing is that Arabica coffee constitutes only about 2% of Vietnam's coffee production. We were on a mission to uncover the rare and extraordinary coffees that seldom find their way to the United States: Robusta. Why? Because we have a responsibility to champion fine robusta like we do specialty arabica.
We forget that Robustas have played such a vital role in coffees for so long and its diaspora has spread far and wide. We overlook Robustas because we think about our grandparents' bitter coffee when we think of Robusta, but really it's progress in processing which allows for the new distinctive clean cups that we find in fine (specialty) robustas is a wonderful reintroduction into the specialty coffee world. The impact of global warming and all of the diseases that arabica is vulnerable to, we’ve started to reintroduce robusta coffee on it’s own or as a hybrid with arabica for a more sustainable crop.
Our quest for specialty-grade beans took us on a journey through Vietnam's lush landscapes and bustling communities. By connecting with local producers, we aimed to establish a sustainable and reliable supply chain that would not only bring these exceptional coffees to American coffee enthusiasts but also empower the farmers and communities that cultivate them.
As these hidden gems of the Vietnamese coffee industry gain popularity and recognition, the positive impact is multifaceted. Stronger relationships with producers will flourish, fostering trust and collaboration. Moreover, increased demand for these unique coffees translates to greater financial support for the farmers who painstakingly nurture them. We can’t just take the good and leave what people view as the bad. It’s a first world privilege that we look at through a lens of specialty coffee and
neglect the producers that depend on this agricultural prouct to survive.
Our journey to Vietnam was not merely about sourcing coffees; it was an adventure to uncover the untapped potential of a remarkable coffee-producing nation. By championing these hidden gems, we hope to contribute to their growing prominence and enrich the coffee-drinking experience for our customers back home. We’re here to introduce and share some of the most beautiful Vietnamese coffees out there. Explore these exceptional coffees that Vietnam has to offer here.
