Coffee is usually cultivated for large commercial operations. It is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide and thus, it is undoubtedly a billion-dollar industry. High-quality coffee beans are grown in Africa and various other tropical countries, which are then roasted, ground and then sold for brewing the coffee we love.
The Demand For Coffee
There is no surprise to the fact that there is a huge demand for coffee around the year and worldwide. It is expected that the coffee market grows by 5.8% annually. Planning for the demands beforehand and ensuring good inventory management practices is something that coffee suppliers should do to meet the demands. However, there are different customers for different coffee brews and the supplier should try to match the demand accordingly.
Coffee Cultivation
When it comes to cultivating coffee, climatic factors like temperature, rainfall, moisture, etc., are undoubtedly very important. The right temperature with the right amount of rainfall and a dry period of two or three months are required to grow the most delicious coffee. The cultivators also need to take care of the pests which might ruin the coffee beans. Different varieties of coffee are grown in different regions with varied climatic conditions. The majority of coffee beans in the world are grown in Brazil, Peru, and Columbia, but there are other regions with similar weather conditions that grow coffee too.
Growing And Harvesting
A coffee tree can take around four to seven years to yield its first beans. The harvesting process is a labour-intensive one and thus, takes a lot of effort. Also, not all the red cherries holding the coffee beans ripen at the same time. Thus, they should be checked regularly. Parts of the cherry are removed for accessing the bean and then they are left to dry.
The Coffee Supply Chain
The supply chain of coffee is an elaborate and integrated process that involves many stages:
- Growing beans
- Harvesting
- Hulling
- Drying
- Packing
- Bulking
- Blending
- Roasting
During the process, your favorite coffee goes through the hands of coffee suppliers, international transporters, sellers, and retailers like grocery stores, cafes, and also specialty shops.
Consumption
The roasted coffee beans are almost ready for consumption. While some coffee sellers like to grind the coffee on their own, others prefer factory-grinded coffee. No matter what, the next step is to brew your coffee and it is ready for drinking. Rather than the preparation process, it is the quality of the beans and how they are cultivated, which decides the taste and aroma of your coffee.
Final Thoughts
Thus, the coffee growing and supply chain is a complex process that needs effective management at all stages. The demand for coffee is high and the supply should be efficient enough to match the demand.
