
The HC Commodities Podcast
Coffee with Charlie Stephens
Sep 17, 2024
Charlie Stephens, the President of Amarella Café, is a young powerhouse in the specialty coffee trading scene. He dives into the fascinating journey of coffee from fruit to mug, breaking down the complexities of processing and trading. Charlie highlights how climate change and consumer tastes drive the industry. He also discusses the challenges brought by new EU regulations on coffee imports and shares his inspiring story of launching his own company to create positive impacts for farmers and consumers alike.
49:10
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Quick takeaways
- The coffee journey from fruit to mug involves intricate processing methods, significantly influencing the flavor and quality of the final product.
- Climate change, consumer preferences, and evolving regulations like the EU deforestation law are reshaping the dynamics of the global coffee market.
Deep dives
Understanding Coffee: The Supply Chain and Processing Methods
Coffee begins as a fruit, specifically a droop, similar to plums and cherries, with the coffee bean being the seed of this fruit. The quality of coffee is often influenced by its growing altitude, where higher elevations tend to yield better flavors due to the plant's increased respiration creating complex acidic compounds. The processing of coffee from fruit to roasted bean involves several methods, including washing, natural drying under the sun, or various fermentation techniques, each affecting the final flavor profile. These processes vary by country and often reflect local traditions, with risks and potential quality changes depending on the method used.
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