How we Source Coffee

Sourcing

Travelling to origin sits at the heart of our sourcing approach. It's where we build new relationships, and learn from the shifting landscapes that shape each harvest. These journeys inform not only how we source coffee, but how we understand it — season by season, region by region.

Spending time on the ground offers a deeper sense of the work behind each lot. The climate, the soil, the people — all leave their imprint. It’s a reminder that every coffee carries a story, shaped as much by place and terroir, as by variety process.

Here is a little insight into a few of the countries we source from.

Kenya

In 2023, significant reforms reshaped this landscape. The introduction of formalised direct sales allowed cooperatives and estates to engage more closely with exporters and roasters, fostering relationships built on transparency and shared commitment to quality.

At Father Carpenter, we embrace the traditional auction model. This approach enables us to access a diverse range of Kenyan coffees, each reflecting the unique terroir of its origin. Whether it's the bright, berry-like acidity from Nyeri or the deep, winey notes from Embu, our selections are guided by cup quality, traceability, and the integrity of the supply chain.

Sourcing in Kenya is not just about procuring exceptional coffee; it's about engaging with a dynamic system that continues to evolve. Through careful selection and enduring partnerships, we aim to honour the craftsmanship of Kenyan producers and bring their remarkable coffees to our community in Berlin.

Colombia

Colombia holds a lasting place in Father Carpenter’s sourcing history. For years, visits were frequent — nearly every two months — with the early aim of acquiring a small farm. That plan changed, but the connection to the country, its people, and its coffees remains foundational.

Colombian coffees are bought in several ways: directly from producers, through carefully selected dry mills, and via trusted exporter-importer partnerships. Each approach offers something distinct, allowing for flexibility across a country known for its regional diversity and decentralised production.

Direct relationships are built slowly, grounded in trust and a shared focus on quality. Dry mills provide access to specific regional profiles, often working with smallholder producers. Exporters play a key role too — not simply as middle agents, but as stewards of transparency and logistics, helping exceptional coffees reach Berlin in good condition.

Colombia offers no single flavour or formula. From the sharp florals of Nariño to the round, sugarcane sweetness of Huila, each region tells its own story.

Peru

Peru often flies under the radar, but it’s a country we return to for clean, high-grown coffees with structure and depth. The conditions are there — altitude, climate, careful cultivation — but access is not always straightforward. Much of the country’s coffee is grown by smallholders across remote valleys and highland terrain, which makes sourcing slower and more fragmented.

Our main connection in Peru is through Justin Miles of APU Coffee. Based in Cusco, Justin works closely with producers across the south of the country, helping small, quality-focused farms bring their coffees to market. His work is detailed and dependable, shaped by long-term relationships and a clear understanding of the challenges on the ground.

Through Justin, we’ve been able to source some exceptional coffees — including single-farmer lots that might otherwise never leave the country. His insight, and his trust with producers, make it possible for us to work at a level of traceability and quality that’s often hard to reach in Peru.

The coffees we select here tend to be clean, structured, and quietly expressive. Not flashy, but full of character.

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