The long coffee journey: From green coffee to your cup

Coffee transportation, coffee routes & coffee knowledge: From green coffee to the perfect espresso

Coffee is more than just a drink. It is culture, ritual and pleasure all in one. Every cup of coffee - whether perfect espresso, cold brew or French press - tells the story of a long coffee journey that covers thousands of kilometers around the world.

From the coffee bean on the plantation in Costa Rica or Ethiopia to ports and roasting plants to your kitchen - every step is crucial for taste, aroma, caffeine content and freshness. In this comprehensive article, you will learn all about coffee transportation, sustainable trade, storage, health, historical background and tips for home baristas.

From the coffee tree to green coffee

Growing regions and varieties
Most high-quality coffees come from the so-called "coffee belt" between 25 degrees north and south latitude. Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (Robusta) thrive here under optimal climatic conditions. Arabica coffee is known for its fine aroma, mild acidity and complex taste, while Robusta is stronger, more bitter and richer in caffeine.

Rare varieties such as Coffea liberica produce large beans with a characteristic aroma and are only grown in small quantities. Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and Uganda in particular are now leaders in the export of quality coffees.

Men working in the fields of a coffee farm in Ethiopia

Care and harvest

A coffee tree needs optimum climatic conditions:

Temperatures: 15-24 °C for Arabica, 24-30 °C for Robusta
High humidity, even rainfall
Sun protection through shade providers such as banana plants

Care includes regular pruning, pest control and careful monitoring of flowering. Harvesting is usually done by hand ("picking") for high-quality coffee, while stripping or mechanical harvesting is often used for industrial quantities.

Example for home baristas: Anyone who grows plants at home knows that similar basic principles apply - water, light, temperature and protection from pests influence growth and aroma.

Processing on the plantation

After harvesting, the bean remains in its parchment skin, which protects the aroma and taste. This is only removed shortly before export. The beans are sorted, fermented and dried. They are stored in jute sacks to protect the contents and quality.

15-15-15 rule:

15 °C temperature
15 % relative humidity
15 days intermediate storage

This ensures that the green coffee has an optimum shelf life and can be freshly roasted.

The sea route: the main axis of coffee transportation

Over 95% of green coffee is transported by ship. The choice of transportation method influences the quality:

Bagged goods: High-quality Arabica coffee, individually packed in jute bags. Protection from moisture and temperature fluctuations guarantees perfect espresso and roasted coffee with a clear flavor.
Bulk: Larger quantities, efficient for industrial processing and other countries.

A 20-foot container holds around 18 tons, while ventilated special containers additionally protect the beans from pests such as the coffee beetle.

Temperature and storage at sea

The core temperature during transportation should be 18-25 °C to avoid container sweat. This ensures quality, aroma and the perfect espresso. Modern solutions such as GrainPro bags or low-CO₂ sailing ships ensure sustainable coffee with a smaller ecological footprint.

Practical tip for private consumers:

If you buy small quantities, you can store the beans in airtight containers in a dry and dark place. Fresh grinding shortly before preparation ensures maximum flavor.

Exemplary transportation routes:

Central and South America → Hamburg: 2-3 weeks
Asia → Europe: 4 weeks
Onward transportation Switzerland/Berlin: truck, train or inland waterway vessel
Certification & control: Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, organic standards

Exporters and partners

In Brazil, many producers export themselves, while in East Africa, specialized companies or trade unions take on this task. Roasters work through long-term partnerships, e.g. with InterAmerican Coffee Europe and Algrano, and maintain direct contact with the coffee farmers.

Before the order is placed, the roasters receive samples for cupping, check quality and certifications and agree on price and logistics. The result is fair-trade, sustainable coffee with guaranteed traceability.

Arrival at the roastery

After unloading, customs clearance and interim storage in European ports, the green coffee arrives at the roasting plant. There it is

processed, cleaned and stored
roasted: dark roasts for espresso, mild roasts for cold brew or filter coffee
Packaged as whole beans, ground coffee or coffee capsules

Preparation in a café, at home with a French press or as a home barista recipe depends crucially on the roast, grind and freshness.

Health aspects

Coffee provides:

Caffeine for energy and concentration (caffeine kick)
Antioxidants and polyphenols
Moderate consumption promotes well-being and alertness

Tips for health-conscious coffee drinkers:

Cold brew contains less acidity and is easier on the stomach
Espresso roasting provides strong flavors without additives

Cultural & historical dimension

Coffee has shaped the world for centuries:

Ethiopia: Country of origin, coffee ceremonies and tradition
Colonial trade routes: the first plantations in Latin America
Modern exports: fair trade, organic coffee, Rainforest Alliance

Every coffee journey reflects history, culture and economic developments.

Man who steams milk with a Black&White4 CTS

Tips for home baristas & private transportation

Store in an airtight, dark and dry place
Grind fresh for perfect espresso or French press
Small quantities can be stored in the kitchen cupboard
Adjust the grind to the preparation: finer for espresso, coarser for cold brew

Conclusion

From the coffee plantation to transportation, storage and roasting to your cup of coffee, every step is crucial for quality, aroma and taste. If you know the coffee's journey, you can better experience the diversity, make conscious decisions and support sustainable coffee.