The Coffee Journal
HOW WE SOURCE
Unwavering dedication to the best practices in coffee production
At Roasting Plant, we deliver more than just a superior cup of coffee. We forge direct, meaningful relationships with our global coffee growers to bring you the best beans imaginable.
Geneviève "Gen" Kappler, our Director of Coffee, brings 20 years of global expertise to bean sourcing. With extensive training in coffee production and quality control, Gen has judged international coffee competitions and worked with over 65 roasters, optimizing equipment and developing roasting profiles. As one of the few women in this role, Roasting Plant is proud to have her discerning eye determining the perfect roast for our beans.
While many brands promote ethical practices, our commitment to our partners goes far beyond certifications. We prioritize traceability, fair pricing, environmental respect, women's empowerment, and rewarding quality.
Gen's dedication shines through annual visits to around ten farms and cooperatives worldwide, where the shared love of coffee transcends language. Seeking partners with a passion for exceptional beans, she provides ongoing support throughout the entire process. Gen carefully analyzes each farm, ensuring critical quality standards are met, and works hand-in-hand with producers to deliver coffee that meets both our high standards and fairly benefits the farmers.
We understand that production costs vary by region and consider these factors when negotiating prices that reward excellence. By building cost-of-production tables with our partners, we ensure prices cover more than just survival; they allow for reinvestment into farms and communities. Roasting Plant believes in prices that support decent living standards, reward quality, and incentivize farmers to produce their best, ensuring a lasting partnership.
We are actively invested in our coffee-growing communities. In Indonesia, Roasting Plant is supporting a project to provide land for high-quality coffee trees that will generate income for a local orphanage. Upon visiting farms, Geneviève ensures they follow sustainable practices to protect wildlife and local water sources.
We demand beans from producers demonstrating environmental commitment. Mindful of the dangers of monoculture agriculture, we source from shaded coffee farms for biodiversity and minimal chemical use. Gen seeks out farms with programs that guide producers in sustainable practices, pollution reduction, and the use of natural methods like vermiculture compost.
With climate change threatening coffee production, Geneviève works on programs to plant disease-resistant coffee varieties, securing both production and a market for farmers.
We prioritize women-produced coffees, recognizing their vital role in the industry. Roasting Plant partners with exceptional women producers in Guatemala, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Brazil who create high-quality coffee while strengthening their communities.
Certifications are important, but they're just the start. Our commitment to mindful, harmonious agricultural practices results in unparalleled coffee, grown by individuals proud of their craft and communities. At Roasting Plant, we're honored to be the bridge connecting them to you.
Please explore the fruits of our sourcing efforts. From East Africa to Guatemala, we have flavorful stories to share.