#coffeetrade

[scottbiffin]

From Barista to Trader: The Skills You Need to Break Into the Coffee Trade — Scott Biffin

The global coffee industry is a vast and intricate network, ranging from the humble barista at your local café to traders who connect coffee farms in distant lands to roasters and businesses across the world. For many coffee enthusiasts, the idea of transitioning from working behind the espresso machine to becoming a coffee trader might seem like a distant dream. However, as Scott Biffin, a seasoned coffee trader, proves, this transition is not only possible but highly rewarding for those who have the passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

In this post, we’ll explore the key skills and knowledge you need to break into the coffee trade, with insights from Scott Biffin’s journey from a barista to an established coffee trader. Whether you’re currently working in a café or simply love coffee, these skills can help you pave the way to a fulfilling career in the coffee trade.

A Passion for Coffee and a Deep Understanding of Flavor Profiles

One of the core traits that set coffee traders apart is their deep understanding of coffee as a product. For baristas, this often starts at the espresso machine, where they learn the art of extracting flavors, balancing acidity, and crafting the perfect cup. According to Scott Biffin, this hands-on experience with coffee gives aspiring traders an essential foundation in understanding the diverse flavor profiles of different beans.

“Being a barista helped me develop my palate and appreciate the nuances in coffee,” Scott explains. “You need to understand how different beans taste, how roast levels affect flavors, and how origin impacts the cup. This knowledge is crucial when trading coffee because buyers rely on you to source beans that match their desired profile.”

Coffee traders, like Scott, must assess the quality of beans by tasting and cupping them, which is why developing a refined palate and the ability to recognize subtle flavor differences is one of the first skills you need. If you’ve spent time as a barista, you’ve likely developed a solid foundation in this area, and further training in coffee tasting or certification programs like the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Q Grader can refine these skills.

Understanding Coffee Production and Supply Chains

As a barista, you’re often the end-point of the coffee supply chain, but in the world of coffee trading, understanding the entire journey of the bean is crucial. Traders like Scott Biffin are deeply involved in the supply chain, starting from coffee farms, through the processing stages, and finally to the roasters who turn green beans into the aromatic products sold in cafés.

Scott emphasizes that one of the biggest shifts from being a barista to a trader is learning the complexities of coffee production. Coffee is grown in diverse climates, from the high-altitude mountains of Central America to the plains of Africa, and each region presents unique challenges and advantages for farmers. Understanding the entire coffee production process — from cultivation and harvesting to washing and drying — is essential for traders, as it influences both quality and price.

“In coffee trading, you need to understand how weather conditions, farming techniques, and even political factors in producing countries affect the coffee supply,” Scott says. “It’s important to know not just how coffee is grown, but also how it’s processed and transported. A delay at any stage can impact the quality of the coffee by the time it reaches the buyer.”

For those interested in becoming traders, Scott suggests gaining knowledge about coffee-growing regions, the different processing methods (such as washed, natural, and honey-processed coffees), and how logistics and market fluctuations affect prices.

Building Relationships and Networking

Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of being a successful coffee trader is the ability to build and maintain relationships. While baristas often form strong connections with their customers, traders must build networks with farmers, producers, exporters, importers, and roasters. These relationships are vital in the coffee trade, as they ensure a steady supply of quality beans and help mitigate challenges such as market volatility and transportation delays.

Scott Biffin emphasizes the importance of trust in the coffee trade. “This business is all about relationships,” he explains. “You need to have strong ties with the people who grow the coffee and the people who buy it. Both sides need to trust that you’ll deliver what you promise.”

For those transitioning from a barista role, networking within the coffee community is essential. Scott recommends attending coffee industry events, trade shows, and expos, where you can meet producers, exporters, and other professionals in the industry. Building connections through organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) can also open doors to opportunities in trading.

Social media and online communities also play a vital role in modern coffee trading. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter allow traders and industry professionals to share insights, form collaborations, and keep up-to-date with market trends.

Market Knowledge and Business Acumen

Coffee trading isn’t just about sourcing beans; it’s also about understanding the business of coffee. Traders must be knowledgeable about global market trends, pricing strategies, and the economic factors that influence the coffee industry. Coffee prices are influenced by supply and demand, weather patterns, geopolitical events, and changes in consumer preferences, making it essential for traders to stay informed about market conditions.

“Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world, and its prices can fluctuate rapidly,” Scott explains. “As a trader, you need to have a solid understanding of the market, negotiate contracts, and make quick decisions based on changing conditions.”

For aspiring traders, developing business acumen is key. Scott suggests learning about futures contracts, hedging, and how currency fluctuations impact international trade. If you’ve worked as a barista or café manager, you may already have some experience in pricing, profit margins, and inventory management, which can provide a useful foundation. However, coffee trading requires a deeper understanding of economics and finance, so further education in these areas can be highly beneficial.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

The coffee trade is full of uncertainties, from unpredictable weather patterns affecting crops to political instability in coffee-growing regions. Successful traders must be adaptable and quick problem-solvers, as they often need to find solutions to logistical issues, negotiate new deals, or handle supply chain disruptions.

Scott Biffin highlights the importance of staying calm under pressure and being resourceful when problems arise. “In the coffee trade, things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s a shipment delay, a quality issue, or a market shift, you need to think on your feet and come up with a solution. Flexibility is key.”

If you’re a barista, you’ve likely developed problem-solving skills in a fast-paced café environment. Translating this skill to the world of coffee trading means being able to adapt to challenges, whether it’s securing a new supplier at short notice or renegotiating a contract due to market changes.

Willingness to Learn and Stay Curious

Perhaps the most important skill that Scott Biffin emphasizes for anyone looking to break into the coffee trade is a genuine willingness to learn and stay curious. Coffee is an ever-evolving industry, with new regions, farming techniques, processing methods, and consumer trends emerging all the time.

“As a coffee trader, you’re always learning,” Scott says. “Whether it’s about new origins, sustainability practices, or market trends, you need to stay curious and open to new information.”

For those transitioning from a barista role, this means continuing to educate yourself about the industry. Scott suggests seeking out certifications, attending industry conferences, reading trade publications, and even traveling to coffee-growing regions to gain firsthand experience.

Conclusion: From Barista to Trader — A Journey Fueled by Passion

Transitioning from a barista to a coffee trader is a journey that requires dedication, a passion for coffee, and a willingness to acquire new skills. As Scott Biffin career illustrates, the experience gained behind the espresso machine provides a solid foundation for understanding coffee, but breaking into the world of coffee trading requires expanding your knowledge of coffee production, market trends, and building relationships across the global supply chain.

With a deep understanding of flavor profiles, a strong network of industry contacts, and a solid grasp of the business side of coffee, baristas can successfully make the leap into coffee trading. As long as you stay curious, adaptable, and passionate about coffee, the world of coffee trade is wide open for exploration.

For aspiring traders, Scott’s advice is clear: “Stay connected to your love for coffee, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The coffee trade is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

[bydgoszczanin23]

Dobra kawa, mate, a może herbata? Nie ważne co pijecie ważne by było to dobrego gatunku. Miłej leniwej niedzieli Wam życzę ____________________________________ #czasnakawę #coffetime #tempopercaffè #tiempoparaelcafé #zeitfürkaffee #kahvezamanı #czasnakawe☕ #czasnakawe #yerbamate #yerbomos #teatime #czasnaherbate #czasnaherbatę #coffeetrade # #teatrade #bioorganic #fairtrade (w: Fordon, Bydgoszcz, Poland) https://www.instagram.com/bydgoszczanin23/p/CYyaR6now4q/?utm_medium=tumblr

[khatriji]

International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day is celebrated to promote and celebrate the most popular beverage - coffee with different events across the world. The day was official launched in Milan on 1st October as agreed by the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) and is mainly used to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee farmers. 

Follow Below profile to remain updated Or Connected :Twitter :- https://twitter.com/OJCTkhatrijiInstagram :- https://www.instagram.com/ojctkhatrijiPinterest :- https://in.pinterest.com/ojctkhatriji/LinkedIn :- https://www.linkedin.com/company/khatriji/

[caffebreak]

" start from the heart " Menikmati kopi mulai dari hati Kami menyediakan raw green bean / masih biji kopi mentah sampai dengan roast bean, WA 087 736 122 553 "Sekantung kopi nusantara, menjual rasa sesuai selera" #quote #coffeetrade #coffeehouse #coffeebuyer #coffeelovers #katarindu #yangterdalam #kopimalam #perihalkopi #salamkopi #katacinta #seindahbicara #quoteskopihitam #Caffebreakcoffee #caffebreak #darihatikehati #jualkopi #kepoin #dinikmati #kopiasliindonesia #bijikopiindonesia #nyruput #heart #kopipagi #hati #secangkir #guyonan #blackcoffee #produsen #selamatpagi https://www.instagram.com/p/CEuocO_gJaL/?igshid=1e3sjy3jtw7g1

[613mandi]

Coffee Traders is a lot of game and I'm here for it. A lot of ways to get points and that really appeals to me. There were a few confusing moments but overall it was a great experience. So glad my friends owned it so I could try it. It feels good to play heavy games in person. 😄 #boardgames #games #gamer #tabletop #blerd #blerdgirl #coffeetrader #coffeebeans #coffee #Saturday #gameday https://www.instagram.com/p/CSSZQMBrz3s/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sweetmarias]

Serious coffee roasting capacity circa 1909. #coffeetrade #coffeehistory

[borderlesscafe]

. . Even though coronavirus pandemic may have an adverse effect on sharing economy in general, it won't be able to stop the trend of data sharing. Speciality Coffee Transaction Guide( @sctguide ) should be one of the good examples in the coffee industry. The guide has shown a set of detailed data since the 2016/2017 harvest season about what people paid for speciality coffees around the world provided by willing participants involved with importing and roasting. The data includes information about quality, region, lot size and certifications among others, which simply serves as a reference for both buyers and sellers to the prices differentiated from C prices. . Its key is that SCT guide is an initiative taken by the stakeholders themselves. It won't rely on any third party or charge you any cost unlike certification systems out there. More diverse data and participants will lead to a more reliable outcome. Now 57 data donors join the Guide, more expansion to make a global representation will be highly expected in the next few yearsーhopefully in the Asia region (especially Japan). Less amount of data is going to be garnered at this harvest season due to coronavirus fallout but the "Sharing is Caring" spirit will last for sure. ⚫︎ ⚫︎ コロナはシェアリングエコノミー全般に悪影響を及ぼすかもしれないが、実体を持たないデータシェアリングのトレンドにま��歯止めをかけることはできないだろう。コーヒー業界ではスペシャリティーコーヒートランザクションガイド( @sctguide )が正しくその一例だ。2016年の収穫期から公表され始めたこのガイドは、輸出入や焙煎に関わる人々が無償で提供し合ったスペシャリティーコーヒーの買付価格を収集・分析したシンプルなデータ集だ。質、量（ロットサイズ）、地域、そして取得済の認証等の情報を多岐にカバーしており、国際相場(C Price)と差別化された価格の参考値として売り手・買い手双方にとって非常に役立つものだろう。 . 鍵は、当事者主導で進められている取り組みであるということ。認証制度のように第三者機関に依存しているわけではなくコストもかからない。そして、参加者やデータが増えれば増えるほど、ガイドはより信頼ある結果を産み出すことができる。直近で欧米を中心とする57の業者がドナーとなっており、今後数年で更なる規模拡大が期待されている（個人的にはいち早くアジアとりわけ日本からの参加者が入ってほしいところ）。コロナで今期のデータ量は減るかもしれないが、アメリカ譲りの"Sharing is Caring（シェアは思いやり）”の精神が途絶えることはないだろう。 . #coffeetrader https://www.instagram.com/p/B_gBc93Df-f/?igshid=w6y9u2kaixkq

[gayo-coffee-indonesia]

Specialty itu butuh tahapan proses yang special dan di proses oleh tangan special untuk mendapatkan predikat Specialty. #azacoffeeandroastery #azacoffee #azaroastery #kopi #kopigayo #kopigayoasli #coffee #coffeespecialty #homeroaster #homeroastery #barista #coffeeshop #brewery #coffeesupplier #coffeetrader https://www.instagram.com/p/B4OffRXp6Cd/?igshid=qo7fy21r7gyr

[impexperts-world]

How CCD Owner VG Siddhartha Created Largest Coffee Empire in India?

About Indian Coffee Trade: The coffee plantation in India dates back to two centuries when it was exported to England in the British rule and after Independence.

[opificiodelcaffe]

[ea-sehun-blog]

coғғee тrade

@ea-yeonjoo

     10 years ago, if one were to ask what Sehun imagined himself to be, the teen would answer 'whatever my parents want me to be.' Whatever that was, Sehun definitely did not envision himself wiping down counters and brewing coffee a decade later. His milky white skin that was once smooth and flawless were now slightly calloused from the exposure to various cleaning chemicals and minor burns.

      Yet he has made his bed and now has to lie in it; he has to admit though, if he looked (read: squinted really hard) on the bright side, the freedom was like a breath of fresh air that he never thought he'd enjoy. Right now, all he wants is to achieve the goals he has decided for his life, and at the top of the bucket list was to land himself an internship at Eastend Co.. Not that making coffee will get him anywhere near there.

     Serving his nth cup of coffee with a quiet please enjoy, Sehun was about to return to his post when his eyes caught sight of sheets that was peeking out of a folder. Sheets that contained familiar script that Sehun had agonised over for days and nights.

     "Excuse me..." Wetting his lips slightly, Sehun willed his voice not to waver as hope bubbled in his chest. "Do you happen to work at Eastend?"

[caffebreak]

CLOSE UP OF COFFEE BEAN Kami menyediakan raw green bean / masih biji kopi mentah sampai dengan roast bean, WA 087 736 122 553 "Sekantung kopi nusantara, menjual rasa sesuai selera" #caffebreak #caffebreakcoffee #Greenbeancoffee #specialtycoffee #newbeans #greencoffee #coffeeday #coffeeexport #coffeeimport #coffeetrade #coffeehouse #coffeebuyer #coffeelover #coffeetasting #robusta #coffee #coffeebean #haneycoffee #processingcoffee #kopiindonesia #produsenkopi #coffeetime #penikmatkopi #coffeeproduction #coffeestory #coffeeculture #coffeepeople #indonesiacoffee #goodcoffeegoodtaste #coffeeshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CEunF6NgmSe/?igshid=8uhr468k2548

[impexmoeller-blog]

Wie hart die Arbeiter in Kolumbien und auch anderen Kaffeeexport Ländern arbeiten. Die LKWs werden oft von Hand be- und entladen. #coffee #worker #workinghard #colombia #panama #costarica #coffeetrade #coffeeimport #impexmoeller #rohkaffeeshop #fair #persönlich #direkt #gehandelt #switzerland #spotmarkt (hier: Colombia)

[ajustcup]

This weekend is Earth Day! Check out our latest blog for a little more info on how we participate in protecting our planet.⠀ ⠀ •www.thanksgivingcoffee.com/blog•⠀ ⠀ #earthday #thanksgivingcoffee #coffeebeans #coffeetrade #coffeeindustry #coffeealways #organiccoffee #fairtradecoffee #bcorporation #causecoffees

[sweetmarias]

I managed to keep this secret from everyone until they arrived: our 20th anniversary trade tokens. As a collector of old merchant tokens this was an exciting way to celebrate our 20 year mark, technically coming in November. I kept it to myself because I honestly had no idea they would turn out. ...I even had a bad dream that I spelled "Aniversary" in the design. But I'm really happy with them. You can get one free if you come by the store and I think we will be including them in orders but need to figure out how to pack them. I have 10000 so Don't worry about getting one. You will. #coffeetrade #coins #numismatics #sweetmarias (at Sweet Maria's Coffee)

[espressonearme]

The latest Espresso Near Me! https://t.co/LAhYRWsJDt Thanks to @coffeetraders @freyasflorence #coffee #news

The latest Espresso Near Me! https://t.co/LAhYRWsJDt Thanks to @coffeetraders @freyasflorence #coffee #news

— Espresso Near Me (@espressonearme) May 20, 2022