THE PERFECT ROAST IS ONLY POSSIBLE IF IT BEGINS WITH THE PERFECT GREEN BEAN

WHY DIRECT TRADE?

The first step to realizing our mission (to roast great coffee and work with great people to do it) is finding the most amazing green beans this world has to offer. Beans that have the depth of flavour that tells the story of where they come from.

We want our coffees to reflect the complex factors that make them special, from the varietal of the bean, to the climate, soil and altitude of the growing region, to the care and skill of the farmer.

There’s a lot of coffee out there and countless ways to buy, sell, and distribute it, and at Pilot we have our own method, one that aligns with our goals, values and ethics. Direct Trade.

BUILDING LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

We track down and source exceptional coffee by working closely with our trusted partners on the ground and travelling to the coffee’s origin. The truth is, we would be nowhere without the skilled effort of the farmers and the workers producing high quality specialty coffees to share through the roastery. 

To honour this indispensable effort, we are always expanding our Direct Trade model. This involves regular trips to origin, building strong relationships with producers, touring their farms, and purchasing coffees directly from the growers as often as possible. Through Direct Trade, we can be sure that the premium prices we pay go straight into the hands of our producer partners.

SPECIALTY COFFEE

Most coffee on the market can be divided into two categories, commodity and specialty, each with different ways of judging and pricing beans. All Pilot's coffee is Specialty Coffee grade. This grading system puts a lot of stock in the unique influences of origin, and places the highest priority on overall quality. 

Specialty coffee is traded either through specialty importers or directly between roasters and farmers. The price depends on the quality and is often four or more times higher than the price of commodity coffee. 

Since high quality coffee is difficult to grow and care for, specialty coffees almost always come from small lots owned by those dedicated farmers who devote a lot of time and attention to their craft.

OUR DIRECT TRADE POLICY

If our commitment is to quality and sustainability, we have to back that with the best coffee on the market, acquired in a way that is ethical, responsible and caring.

1. COMMUNICATION

We are in direct communication with the farmer and we have visited the farm in person.

2. UNDERSTANDING

We open up our business to our producers and show them how we work, and in turn they help us understand their business so we can meet each other's needs.

3. COMMITMENT

The coffee must be of exceptional quality and the farmer must be committed to sustainable and ethical practices.

4. HONOURING

In return we guarantee a price that is at least 25% above the Fair Trade price. 

When you see the Pilot Coffee Roasters Direct Trade stamp on our coffee bags you will know it has met this standard.