Coffee is more than just a beverage. The culture of drinking coffee is now one of the modern lifestyles that continues to grow. Given the rising demand for high-quality coffee, starting a coffee roasting business can be a promising industry.
By participating in the business, you can control the quality and taste of the coffee you sell. However, building a successful coffee roasting business requires in-depth knowledge of the roasting process to implement effective marketing strategies.
Not to worry! In this article, we will provide a complete guide on how to start a coffee roasting business. With our guide, you’ll be better equipped to grow your business!
Table of Contents
Understanding the Coffee Roasting Process
In this process, you must apply knowledge, techniques, and tools to roast coffee beans perfectly.
1. Books and Blogs
The best way to understand the coffee roasting process is to read books or websites of experts in the field. For example, the book The Coffee Roaster’s Companion by Scott Rao, the Home-Barista website, and the Coffee Greek website.
2. Online Resources
The digital world also includes a variety of engaging resources, for example, in the form of video tutorials, online courses, and webinars. You can use some of these resources to understand how to roast coffee practically.
Examples of online resources include platforms like YouTube and Udemy. There, you can find tips and tricks on roasting coffee, suitable for everyone from beginners to professionals!
3. Join the Coffee Roasters Forum
You can also join forums dedicated to coffee roasting, such as Home-Barista and Coffee-Greek. Experienced members can share their knowledge and advice on properly roasting coffee.
Also read: 10 Proven Tips for Profit Coffee Roasting Business
Types of Coffee Roasters Available in the Market and Their Features
Before starting a coffee roasting business, it’s essential to understand the tools that professional processors rely on. Each tool has unique features, so you must tailor your choice to your needs, business scale, and budget.
1. Drum Coffee Roasters
Drum roasters are the most commonly used type of coffee roaster. Shaped like a drum, you can roast the coffee beans directly when the device is heated.
The advantage of this tool is its ability to roast coffee beans on a large scale, ensuring they are evenly and consistently roasted.
2. Fluid Bed Coffee Roasters
Next up are fluid bed coffee roasters that rely on roasting coffee beans with hot air. They will be roasted in a roasting chamber filled with hot air.
All coffee beans will be cooked evenly due to the circulation of air in them. Compared to drum coffee roasters, this roasting provides faster results and is easy to clean.
3. Direct Flame Roasting
You can use the direct flame roasting method, roasting the coffee beans directly in a drum placed over a lit flame. Thanks to this method, you can produce smokier coffee beans.
The difficulty is that only some highly skilled people can use this method. This is because they need to control the temperature and roasting time.
4. Microwave Roasting
Who would have thought that you could roast coffee in the microwave? This method is certainly more modern and practical-although still less popular than the others.
However, you should prepare some special tools before practicing. Additionally, the results could be more consistent.
Also read: Be the Master! 4 Coffee Roasting Levels Chart with Image & Guide
Why Start a Coffee Roasting Business?
What is a coffee roasting business? A coffee roasting business is a type of business that focuses on roasting coffee beans and selling them to consumers, cafes, and restaurants. This type of business also has its charm. Let’s find a brief discussion below.
1. Demand
The demand for high-quality coffee is rising, especially with the daily coffee routine in local and international markets. Some even understand the importance of using perfectly roasted coffee beans for the best taste!
2. Profit
How much money can you make as a coffee roaster? Each kilogram of roasted coffee can generate a profit of 50-70 percent, according to the price of raw materials and marketing. Generally, a coffee roasting business is profitable if you market it with the right strategy.
3. Can Be Sold at Home
This business can be run efficiently at home. Many entrepreneurs have even started their businesses from home.
Just prepare a simple roasting tool and some relevant licenses, you can already sell homemade roasted coffee to your customers.
Also read: Indonesian Robusta Coffee Grading: EK1, Grade 1, AP, ELB, and BC
How to Start A Coffee Roasting Business
How to set up a coffee bean roasting business? You need to be well-prepared and understand each step in depth. Here’s a complete guide that you can follow before starting a coffee roasting business.
1. Understanding Coffee Roasting Regulations
First, understand the local rules and regulations for the coffee roasting or selling business. This includes licensing, health standards, and safety procedures.
2. Compliance with Regulations
Ensure that your business follows all applicable regulations, such as business licenses, health inspections, or safety standards. This will help maintain your business reputation and avoid unwanted legal issues.
3. Getting Coffee Roasting Equipment
Invest a little of your budget to buy various high-quality coffee roasting equipment. Adjust it according to your needs and budget. Buy supporting equipment such as temperature gauges, digital scales, and a good coffee storage system.
4. Create Your Coffee Roasting Business Plan
The next step in learning how to start a coffee roasting business is to create a business plan. Try to include some of the following information:
- Target Market Analysis: Know your customers. Are they an individual, a cafe, or a restaurant?
- Marketing Strategy: Develop a plan to reach and engage your target audience through various channels.
- Operations Plan: Plan for your roasted coffee beans production and distribution process.
- Financial Projections: Estimate how much it costs to start a coffee roasting business. The cost required to start this business ranges from USD 3,000-10,000.
5. Market Your Coffee Roasting Business
Marketing is the key to business success. Use various marketing strategies, including social media, website, email marketing, e-commerce platforms, and local fairs, to promote your coffee products. Create interesting and informative content to attract potential customers.
Also read: What Is A Roast Profile: All You Need To Know
Get Your Coffee Roasting Business Online
You should introduce your coffee roasting business to the digital platform to reach more customers. Create an attractive and professional website, and utilize various e-commerce platforms or social media to market your products online!
Additionally, consider collaborating with influencers or bloggers in the coffee industry to boost your brand’s visibility and credibility. Hosting virtual events or online coffee-tasting sessions can also engage your audience and create a loyal customer base.
Start Your Coffee Business Journey Today!
That’s the complete guide on how to start a coffee roasting business. By setting up this business, you can perfectly combine the art of coffee roasting with business opportunities.
Deepen your understanding of the process and tools, and create an effective marketing strategy. This way, you can create a business that generates enormous profits!
As the primary raw material for this business, make sure to use high-quality coffee beans as well. Find a variety of interesting coffee varieties from Indonesia on the FnB Coffee website! From Arabica to Robusta specialty coffee types, we offer a variety of coffees with appetizing aromas and flavors.
If you’re still unsure which one to choose, check out our list of best sellers first. Begin your coffee roasting business journey by trusting FnB Coffee as your leading ingredient distributor!
