The Journey from Bean to Cup: The Coffee Supply Chain

published on November 01, 2021 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 10 mins of reading —


At 94 Celcius, every cup of specialty coffee is the fruit of a rich, meticulous and sustainable journey, which we are keen to respect and value. Understanding the journey of each bean from the plantation to your cup is essential to appreciating the quality and complexity of this unique product. This journey, also known as the coffee supply chain, is based on a series of stages, each of which contributes to shaping the taste, quality and impact of each cup. Let's delve into the details of this journey.

Triage des cerises de café pour éliminer les défauts.

1. Growing coffee: it all starts on the farm

The coffee journey begins on farms located in regions ideal for growing coffee, such as Colombia, Ethiopia or Brazil. Growing coffee requires specific conditions: a tropical climate, high altitude, and nutrient-rich soils, often of volcanic origin. At 94 Celcius, we work closely with local growers, favoring sustainable cultivation practices that respect the surrounding ecosystems.

We support practices such as agroforestry farming, where coffee trees are grown under the shade of native trees. This not only preserves biodiversity, but also helps the soil retain its natural fertility while protecting the coffee trees from the damaging effects of direct sunlight. Thanks to these practices, each coffee bean grows in an environment that favours deep, unique flavours, while preserving the environment.

2. Harvesting and Seed Selection: Precision Above All else

Specialty coffee is often harvested by hand to ensure that the beans are selected at optimum maturity. This precision work is essential, as a bean harvested too early or too late can negatively influence the final aromatic profile.

The growers we work with carry out a "selective harvest", picking coffee cherries one by one, only when they are perfectly ripe. This exacting method ensures that only the highest quality beans are used, resulting in a coffee with balanced aromas and complex flavours.

3. Processing : The different processing methods

Once harvested, the coffee cherries go through a treatment process that has a major impact on the flavor profile of the beans. There are three main processing methods:

  • Washed treatment The beans are removed from their pulp and fermented before being washed, resulting in a clear, lively coffee, perfect for expressing the original flavors of the terroir.
  • Natural treatment The beans are dried with their pulp, giving them fruity aromas and a natural sweetness.
  • Honey treatment The grains are partially stripped of their pulp, creating a fusion of two flavors, both sweet and balanced.

At 94 Celcius, we select processing methods that best enhance the unique characteristics of each coffee. For example, a coffee with berry notes may benefit from natural processing to accentuate its fruity aromas.

Café de spécialité torréfié par le micro torréfacteur 94 celcius

4. Roasting: A Precise Art

Roasting is a crucial stage, where the full aromatic potential of the bean is revealed. At 94 Celcius, we regard roasting as an art, and each batch is precisely roasted to bring out the coffee's distinct characteristics. We prefer light to medium roasts, as they preserve the subtle notes and unique nuances of specialty coffee.

This stage transforms the green, hard and bitter beans into an explosion of aromas and flavors that are released once the beans are roasted. It's also here that we give the beans their final touch, adjusting the duration and intensity of roasting for each batch, according to its original characteristics.

5. Distribution: The way to your cup

Once roasted, the beans are packaged to preserve their freshness and quality until they reach our customers. At 94 Celcius, we place great importance on this stage to ensure that each coffee retains its taste and aroma right through to delivery.

We use hermetic packaging with one-way valves, which allow natural gases to escape without letting air in, guaranteeing the freshness of the beans. Our coffees are shipped quickly after roasting so that our customers can enjoy them in the best possible conditions, and each package is traceable for total transparency on the origin of the beans.

6. Preparation: The Art of Extraction

Once the coffee is in your hands, there's one more essential step: preparation. Whether you prefer a gentle brewing method like pour-over or an intense espresso, each extraction technique enhances the work of the entire supply chain. We encourage our customers to use quality water and respect precise parameters (temperature, infusion time) to release the aromatic potential of specialty beans.

For the best possible experience, we invite you to consult our preparation guides for each brewing method. In this way, every cup of 94 Celcius is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in this journey.

7. Sustainability at the heart of our approach

Sustainability is a central pillar of our approach at 94 Celcius. We work with producers committed to environmentally-friendly practices, and ensure that every step in the supply chain is in line with our ecological and social values.

Whether it's promoting farming practices that preserve ecosystems, ensuring fair working conditions for producers, or reducing the carbon footprint of our transport and packaging, every decision is made with sustainability in mind. By choosing 94 CelciusYou're playing an active part in supporting a coffee industry that is more respectful of the planet.

Le Voyage du Café with 94 Celcius: A Unique Experience

From the plantation to your cup, every step of the coffee bean's journey is essential to creating an exceptional tasting experience. At 94 Celcius, we celebrate every link in this supply chain by committing ourselves to offering specialty coffee of impeccable quality, underpinned by sustainable and ethical practices.

Discover our selection of specialty coffees from this rich and inspiring journey, and enjoy every cup knowing you're contributing to a respectful and passionate production chain. Start your adventure here : 94 Celcius.



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