How can I order green beans?

You can email our sales team your green bean needs and questions at info@projectorigin.com.au

Can I order samples before I buy coffee?

Yes, you can. You can request samples through our interactive portal on the website, here. Our team will review your requests for approval before shipping.

How can I ask questions about your green beans?

You can email our team at info@projectorigin.com.au with any questions you have or to place an order.

Can I get involved with your community projects?

Lucky for you, every coffee purchase you make with us automatically puts contributions towards our Project Origin Community Fund. You can express your interest at info@projectorigin.com.au or visit our community page to see what our funds have built so far.

Do you ship beans overseas?

Yes, we do. We have warehouses in Australia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as well as our roaster distributing partners in Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Greece, Argentina.

Can I see what coffees you have to offer?

Our product list is available for you to view and order from on our website, here . You can also request samples of our beans from our product list.

Are your coffee prices going up?

We pay our producers and partners premium prices that sit well above the C-market price because we believe in valuing the work that they do to produce coffee. For information about coffee price fluctuations and how we should be approaching this as a specialty industry, read our article here.

How can I order coffee for competition?

Whether you have something specific in mind or need some guidance, we can help find a bean that will suit your competition needs. Email us at info@projectorigin.com.au with your questions and requests.

Do you supply eugenioides beans?

Coffea eugenioides is a great alternative species to arabica beans, but it is difficult to harvest and process, making them expensive and low in supply. We are working closely with our partners at origin to make this species more accessible. You can register your interest and enquire about the eugenioides species by emailing us at info@projectorigin.com.au

I am a coffee producer. Can you export my coffee?

We welcome enquiries from all coffee producers. You can email our team at info@projectorigin.com.au with who you are, where your coffee grows and what you are looking for from an exporter. Our team will respond with some questions.

Do you facilitate direct shipments?

Yes we can. Our team can arrange for bags to transport directly from origin to roasteries anywhere in the world.

CM stands for carbonic maceration and it is a method of processing coffee beans. Carbonic maceration techniques are steps that are added to traditional processing methods in order to enhance or craft cup profiles in coffee. This crafting is done by controlling specific yeasts during the fermentation stages of coffee processing, and when we perfect this stage, we discover a new range of profiles from the same coffees with which we are already familiar.

What does ‘CM Selections’ mean?

‘CM’ stands for carbonic maceration. ‘CM Selections’ refers to the selection of coffees we offer that are processed using our Project Origin carbonic maceration techniques.

Is CM different from traditional coffee processing methods?

Not entirely. The carbonic maceration techniques are used in addition to the traditional processing techniques as a way of enhancing specific attributes within a coffee. The use of carbonic maceration techniques for fermentation has been used in the wine industry for decades, and now we add it to our traditional coffee processing methods (washed, natural and honey) to enhance the flavour profiles. In carbonic maceration, we have greater control over the yeasts that are active through the fermentation stage, which results in specific flavours and body profiles.

Do the CM techniques change coffee characteristics and add flavours?

CM techniques highlight specific cup and flavour profiles in coffee in the same way traditional processing methods highlight specific cup and flavour profiles. A washed coffee tends to feature certain attributes, such as cup clarity, high acidity and a clean cup. A natural coffee tends to feature higher sweetness, heavier body and sometimes fermented flavours. The CM techniques work to highlight various attributes in the same way. When coffee is processed, the natural yeasts and bacterias eat and break down the sugars inside the coffee cherry, initiating fermentation. The style of processing we choose – natural, honey, washed – will determine how long that fermentation stage will last. The fermentation stage is important in coffee processing, as it heavily influences the way the coffee beans develop flavour and acidity profiles. The body is also established during the fermentation and drying stages. The goal behind adding in the carbonic maceration techniques to the coffee processing is to direct the right yeasts in the right environments to intensify specific flavours and attributes in the coffee. Carbonic maceration helps influence which yeasts are given the optimal conditions to survive and so have more impact on the fermentation and resulting flavour characteristics of the green beans. The carbonic maceration stage puts the coffee beans, with (natural) or without (washed) the cherry attached, in a sealed tank that is flushed with carbon dioxide and void of oxygen. In this environment, carbon dioxide is used by the yeasts to help break down the sugars in and around the coffee beans in a natural process.

Is the CM processing method helpful or easy for producers?

Where the carbonic maceration techniques are most helpful for producers is in converting what would be an average lot into a specialty lot. This enables them to create a product that is of a higher quality and therefore they can sell it at a higher price. The CM processing techniques provide a platform for producers to have more control over the process itself and as a result provide more certainty in what outcome or quality level may be achieved. By sharing the knowledge and experience Project Origin has developed, we can adjust the appropriate variables required for successful CM processing with the producers in order to replicate flavour and cup profiles for a steady stream of beans each harvest for the consumers, but also to allow a steady income for producers through such a reliable product.

Is it expensive for producers to set up the CM equipment?

On the contrary, in most cases, Project Origin pays for all of the equipment used to establish CM processing at a farm or washing station. Project Origin also guarantees the price that will be paid to producers for coffees that are processed using our techniques regardless of the final cup quality. We do this for all producers and washing stations that are part of the CM Selections program. The producer or washing station bears none of the risks for creating coffee through Project Origin’s CM Selections program, but they do get the security of an agreed fixed price that is set at a premium above their normal sale price.

Why can’t I find cup scores for CM coffees?

Our CM Selections range has the capacity to broaden our understanding and experience of coffee. We believe it deserves its own categorisation system so that we can approach these coffees without the inevitable predetermined bias we subconsciously build when referring to cupping scores.As an alternative, we categorise our CM Selections range into five gemstones that represent flavour profiles. The gemstones are Indigo, Jasper, Amber, Diamond and Opal. To understand more about the gemstone range, you can read our CM Champion’s Selections article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preguntas generales

¿Cómo puedo pedir granos verdes?

Puede enviar un correo electrónico a nuestro equipo de ventas con sus necesidades y preguntas sobre granos verdes a info@projectorigin.com.au

¿Puedo pedir muestras antes de comprar café?

Sí, puede hacerlo. Puede solicitar muestras a través de nuestro portal interactivo en el sitio web, aquí. Nuestro equipo revisará sus solicitudes para su aprobación antes del envío.

¿Cómo puedo hacer preguntas sobre los granos verdes?

Puede enviar un correo electrónico a nuestro equipo a info@projectorigin.com.au con cualquier duda que tengas o para hacer un pedido.

¿Puedo involucrarme en sus proyectos comunitarios?

Por suerte para ti, cada compra de café que realices con nosotros supone una contribución automática a nuestro Fondo Comunitario del Project Origin. Puedes expresar tu interés a info@projectorigin.com.au o visite nuestro página de la comunidad para ver lo que nuestros fondos han construido hasta ahora.

¿Envían granos al extranjero?

Sí, lo hacemos. Tenemos bodegas en Australia, Kuwait y Arabia Saudita, así como nuestros socios tostadores distribuidores en Australia, Japón, Malasia, Grecia y Argentina.

¿Puedo ver los cafés que ofrecen?

Nuestra lista de productos está disponible para que usted pueda ver y pedir en nuestro sitio web, aquí. También puede solicitar muestras de nuestros frijoles a nuestro lista de productos.

¿Están subiendo los precios de su café?

Pagamos a nuestros productores y socios precios superiores que están muy por encima del precio del mercado C porque creemos en valorar el trabajo que hacen para producir café. Para obtener información sobre las fluctuaciones del precio del café y cómo deberíamos abordar esto como una industria de especialidad, lee nuestro artículo aquí.

¿Cómo puedo hacer un pedido de café para participar en una competición?

Ya sea que tenga algo específico en mente o necesite orientación, podemos ayudarlo a encontrar un grano que se adapte a las necesidades de su competencia. Envíenos un correo electrónico a info@projectorigin.com.au con sus preguntas y solicitudes.

¿Suministran granos eugenioides?

La especie Coffea eugenioides es una gran alternativa a los granos arábica, pero es difícil de cosechar y procesar, lo que hace que sean caros y escasos. Estamos trabajando estrechamente con nuestros socios en origen para hacer más accesible esta especie. Puede registrar su interés y solicitar información sobre la especie eugenioides en enviándonos un correo electrónico a info@projectorigin.com.au

Soy productor de café. ¿Pueden exportar mi café?

Agradecemos las consultas de todos los productores de café. Puede enviar un correo electrónico a nuestro equipo en info@projectorigin.com.au con quién eres, dónde crece tu café y qué buscas de un exportador. Nuestro equipo responderá con algunas preguntas.

¿Ofrece usted la posibilidad de realizar envíos directos?

Si podemos. Nuestro equipo puede organizar el transporte de las bolsas directamente desde el origen hasta las tostadurías en cualquier parte del mundo.

FAQs about Sourcing, ethics and certifications

What does 'direct trade' mean to Project Origin?

Direct trade means building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with farmers, producers, washing stations and local exporters committed to quality coffee and their local communities. Depending on the origin, working through a trusted local exporter can be the most effective way to support producers. Our approach prioritises traceability, open communication and purchasing across successive harvests.

How does buying from Project Origin support farmers and producers?

We work with producing and exporting partners towards prices that cover production costs and provide sustainable income above those costs, considering quality, purpose, cup score and relationships rather than the C-market alone. Repeat purchases help producers plan ahead, invest in their farms and support a more economically sustainable farming and trading environment. A percentage of every coffee purchase also goes into our Community Fund, supporting projects such as clean water, education and better farming.

How can I best support coffee farmers?

One of the best ways to support coffee farmers is to buy from the same farms across successive harvests. Your repeat purchases help producers plan ahead, invest in the coffees you enjoy and pay their workers well. That reliable demand can also support earlier payments to workers. For example, our partners in Kenya prepay pickers, helping improve their cash flow.

Are Project Origin coffees certified?

Certification is not a requirement for coffees to meet our sourcing standards; individual coffees may carry certifications, which we can confirm when you enquire. We prioritise understanding farming and processing practices through ongoing, direct communication with our partners, alongside price agreements reviewed annually. Certification can involve significant fees, administration and renewal requirements, and we do not advocate for producers to take on those costs.

Can I request specific certifications for my coffee?

Yes, you can always request for coffees with certain certifications, and these questions need to be raised BEFORE shipping the coffee from origin. We can work with our partners to explore obtaining it, if it is feasible to do so, with the associated costs agreed with and covered by you as the buyer.

How does Project Origin check green coffee quality?

We assess every coffee we purchase through cupping (including offer samples, pre-shipment samples (PSS), arrival samples) and physical checks, including moisture content, water activity, density and green grading for defects. We record the results, including cupping notes and green grading photographs, and retain this data to track quality over time.

By working with producers and exporters each harvest, we can understand each coffee’s typically behaviour, & what to expect each year based on weather patterns and harvest updates. Sounds in-depth – that’s because it is.

What quality control measures do you take?

For every coffee we source, we conduct several cuppings across multiple stages of importing, we measure the beans’ moisture content, water activity and density, and review the physical appearance via green grading.

This information is always available for your coffee upon request.

Is my sample a reference, PSS, or arrival sample?

Your sample could be any one of these depending on what stage of the harvesting calendar we are at. Our sales team will always share with you what you are receiving, so you know what to expect. If you are requesting samples from our live product list, you are most likely receiving arrival stock.

How should I store my green beans?

Green coffee beans like stability. Keep them sealed in an environment with stable temperature – ideally cool – and stable humidity for best shelf life.

How do you check that the coffee I receive matches the sample I approve?

When coffee arrives at our warehouse, we assess samples against the coffee originally cupped and approved. These checks compare cup quality and physical attributes, helping us identify any changes before the coffee reaches your roastery.

By this point, we would have cupped your coffee about 4 times already, so we don’t expect surprises to pop out of nowhere.

Can I access quality control data and information about the producer?

Yes! We freely share recorded quality control results, including green grading measurements such as density, water activity and moisture content, cupping notes and green grading photographs, upon request.

We also share available information about the producer, origin, marketing imagery and processing so you can understand the coffee and pass that knowledge on to your customers. These are our Farm Info Files, and you can find them in our Directory.

What should I do if my coffee doesn't meet the agreed quality?

Contact our team with the coffee’s lot details and a description of your concerns. The sooner you do this upon receiving your order, the better we can work together. We’ll work with you to assess the coffee against the approved sample and recorded quality data, then discuss the appropriate next steps.

FAQs about importing green beans

Is there an MOQ for direct shipping from origin?

Sea freight: yes, our MOQ is 100 bags or 6,000kg. Shipping from Ethiopia is a 10,000kg minimum.

Air freight: yes, our MOQ is 5 units, but it’s best you chat with our team.

What origins can i source with Project Origin

We specialise in shipping coffee from over 15 specialty producing countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and more.

Can I mix & match origins in one shipment?

Yes, we can if shipping from our Australia warehouse!

Is there an MOQ for shipping from Australia?

Yes, our MOQ for shipping from Australia is 500kg or US$4,000 in value.

Can I order at any time?

You can order at any time from our Australian warehouse by referring to our live product list. If you wish to direct ship from origin, orders should occur around harvest time.

Is air freight MOQ less than sea freight MOQ?

Yes it is! We can ship less units via air freight whilst sea freight will require more.

What's the difference between an FCL & LCL?

FCL, or full container load, means you get a full container just for your cargo, which is usually faster and more straightforward. LCL, or light / less than full container load, means your cargo shares space with goods from other shippers in the same container — it’s cheaper if you don’t have enough volume, but it often involves more handling, and a higher risk of delays or damage during consolidation and deconsolidation.

Is it better to order direct or from Australia?

This depends on what and how much you want to import. Importing direct from origin is a great option for when you need a full container load (about 20tonne). It is not possible to mix and match origins, so if you require a mix of a few different lots, then your best option will be to ship from our Australia warehouse, or your nearest distributor.

You can find your nearest distributor options aquí.

Why would I order from Australia?

If you’re wanting a mix or origins, and to order off a spot list, then shipping from Australia is a great option. Keep in mind, there may be another Project Origin distributor warehouse close to you!

Why would I order direct from origin?

For the freshest stock, shipping direct from origin is a great option, as contracting and moving coffee happens close to the end of harvest.

Can I get green or roasted samples before I buy?

We can share green samples to help you make your decisions, but you need to know your importing laws first! Every country is different, but our team can help you figure out what you need.

Do I need importing documents to get my samples?

This really depends on your country. It’s best to know your importing laws and our team can help you figure out where to look, so your samples don’t get destroyed before reaching you.

I didn't receive my samples. What can I do?

If we confirmed your samples were shipped, then it’s best to check with your importing government bodies. We will review every sample request and confirm with you if we approve to send your request, so our team will be in touch with you along the way.

Do I need special documents to import green beans to my country?

Yes, absolutely! Every country is different, and it is essential that you know your own importing laws. Our team can help you find where to look, but ultimately, we will need to work together to gather your documents.

You will need to understand what documents your country needs and share that list with Project Origin. We will gather or organise all these documents so your shipment can arrive safely.

What documents do I need?

Every country is different & must be adhered to in full. Some of the most common documents we acquire include phytosanitary certificates, a BL document, certificate of origin, invoice, packing slip, a fumigation certificate, and more.

What is a phytosanitary document?

A phytosanitary document is an official paper issued by a government authority to show that the green coffee beans are free from pests and diseases. It’s basically proof that the product is safe for international trade and won’t bring any unwanted bugs or plant diseases into another country.

Can we just ship the coffee now & deal with documents on the way?

No, you must inform Project Origin of your requirements prior to the shipment. The documents must be prepared and provided to you before the cargo arrives, in order to allow you to proceed with customs clearance.

Preguntas Frecuentes FAQ CM Selections

¿Qué es CM?

CM significa maceración carbónica y es un método de procesamiento de granos de café. Las técnicas de maceración carbónica son etapas que se añaden a los métodos de procesamiento tradicionales para mejorar o crear perfiles de taza en el café. Esta elaboración se realiza mediante el control de levaduras específicas durante las etapas de fermentación en el procesamiento del café, y cuando perfeccionamos esta etapa, descubrimos una nueva gama de perfiles de los mismos cafés con los que ya estamos familiarizados.

¿Qué significa ‘CM Selections’?

CM" significa maceración carbónica. Selecciones CM" se refiere a la selección de cafés que ofrecemos procesados con nuestras técnicas de maceración carbónica de Project Origin.

¿Es CM diferente de los métodos tradicionales de procesamiento de café?

No del todo. Las técnicas de maceración carbónica se utilizan además de las técnicas tradicionales de elaboración como forma de potenciar atributos específicos dentro de un café. El uso de técnicas de maceración carbónica para la fermentación se ha utilizado en la industria del vino durante décadas, y ahora lo añadimos a nuestros métodos tradicionales de procesamiento del café (lavado, natural y honey) para mejorar los perfiles de sabor. En la maceración carbónica, tenemos un mayor control sobre las levaduras que están activas durante la etapa de fermentación, lo que da lugar a sabores y perfiles de cuerpo específicos.

¿Las técnicas de CM cambian las características del café y agregan sabores?

Las técnicas de CM destacan perfiles específicos de taza y sabor en el café, de la misma manera que los métodos tradicionales de procesamiento destacan perfiles específicos de taza y sabor. Un café lavado tiende a presentar ciertos atributos, como claridad en la taza, alta acidez y una taza limpia. Un café natural tiende a presentar un mayor dulzor, un cuerpo más pesado y a veces sabores fermentados. Las técnicas de CM trabajan para resaltar varios atributos de la misma manera. Cuando se procesa el café, las levaduras y bacterias naturales comen y descomponen los azúcares dentro de la cereza del café, iniciando la fermentación. El estilo de procesamiento que elijamos, sea natural, honey o lavado, determinará cuánto durará esa etapa de fermentación. La etapa de fermentación es importante en el procesamiento del café, ya que influye en gran medida en la forma en que los granos de café desarrollan perfiles de sabor y acidez. El cuerpo también se establece durante las etapas de fermentación y secado. El objetivo detrás de agregar las técnicas de maceración carbónica al procesamiento del café es dirigir las levaduras correctas en los ambientes correctos para intensificar sabores y atributos específicos en el café. La maceración carbónica ayuda a influir en qué levaduras reciben las condiciones óptimas para sobrevivir y, por lo tanto, tienen un mayor impacto en la fermentación y las características de sabor resultantes de los Granos verdes. La etapa de maceración carbónica coloca los granos de café, con (natural) o sin (lavado) la cereza adherida, en un tanque sellado que se enjuaga con dióxido de carbono y sin oxígeno. En este entorno, las levaduras utilizan el dióxido de carbono para ayudar a descomponer los azúcares dentro y alrededor de los granos de café en un proceso natural.

¿El método de procesamiento CM es útil o fácil para los productores?

Donde las técnicas de maceración carbónica son más útiles para los productores es en convertir lo que sería un lote promedio en un lote de especialidad. Esto les permite crear un producto de mayor calidad y, por lo tanto, pueden venderlo a un precio más alto.

Las técnicas de procesamiento de CM proporcionan una plataforma para que los productores tengan un mayor control sobre el proceso en sí y, como resultado, proporcionan más certeza sobre el resultado y el nivel de calidad que se puede lograr. Al compartir los conocimientos y la experiencia que ha desarrollado Project Origin, podemos ajustar con los productores las variables apropiadamente necesarias para el éxito del procesamiento CM, con el fin de reproducir los perfiles de sabor y taza teniendo un flujo constante de granos en cada cosecha para los consumidores, pero también para permitir un ingreso estable para los productores a través de un producto tan confiable.

¿Es costoso para los productores instalar el equipo CM?

Por el contrario, en la mayoría de los casos, Project Origin paga por todo el equipo utilizado para establecer el procesamiento de CM en una finca o estación de lavado. Project Origin también garantiza el precio que se pagará a los productores por los cafés que se procesan con nuestras técnicas, independientemente de la calidad final de la taza. Hacemos esto para todos los productores y estaciones de lavado que forman parte del programa CM Selections. El productor o la estación de lavado no asume ninguno de los riesgos de crear cafés a través del programa CM Selections de Project Origin, más bien obtiene la seguridad de un precio fijo acordado que se establece como una prima por encima de su precio de venta normal.

¿Por qué no puedo encontrar puntajes de taza para cafés CM?

Nuestra gama CM Selections tiene la capacidad de ampliar nuestra comprensión y experiencia del café. Creemos que merece su propio sistema de categorización para que podamos abordar estos cafés sin el inevitable sesgo predeterminado que creamos inconscientemente cuando nos referimos a los puntajes de cata. Como alternativa, categorizamos nuestra gama CM Selections en cinco piedras preciosas que representan perfiles de sabor. Las piedras preciosas son Índigo, Jaspe, Ámbar, Diamante y Ópalo. Para comprender más sobre la gama de piedras preciosas, puede leer nuestro Artículo de selecciones de campeones de CM.