How We Work

Support throughout the sourcing journey

CETU supports producers and buyers throughout the sourcing process. We coordinate introductions, samples, evaluations, commercial discussions, documentation, and shipping arrangements, keeping communication clear at every stage.

From first conversation to delivery

  1. Understand

    We learn what the buyer is looking for and what producers currently have available.

  2. Match and sample

    We identify suitable coffees, arrange samples, and provide the relevant information about each lot.

  3. Evaluate

    The buyer evaluates the coffees and shares feedback before deciding whether to move forward.

  4. Confirm

    The producer and buyer agree on the coffee, volume, price, and commercial terms.

  5. Coordinate

    CETU assists with communication, documentation, and shipping arrangements through to delivery.

Clear roles at every stage

The producer

Provides coffee details, availability, samples, pricing, and the information required to represent each lot accurately.

The buyer

Shares their requirements, evaluates the coffees, and confirms the selection and commercial terms.

CETU

Identifies suitable matches, facilitates communication, organises the sourcing process, and assists with documentation and shipping arrangements.

Clear terms, agreed together

The coffee, volume, price, payment terms, documentation, and shipping arrangements are confirmed before an order moves forward.

This ensures that everyone understands what has been agreed and what happens next.

What accompanies every lot

Origin and production

The estate, region, elevation, variety, harvest, and processing method.

Coffee information

The available volume, lot details, samples, and relevant quality information.

Documentation and shipping

We assist with the export, traceability, and compliance documents required for the destination, including EUDR, as well as shipping arrangements.

Questions we are asked

If you buy coffee

Can I request samples?

Yes, CETU can arrange samples of suitable coffees before you decide to place an order.

What volumes are available?

Available volumes vary by producer and lot, from distinctive microlots to larger-volume coffees.

Do I need to order a full container?

Not necessarily. Order requirements depend on the coffee, available volume, and possible shipping arrangements.

How are prices and commercial terms agreed?

The producer and buyer agree on the price, volume, payment terms, and other commercial conditions before confirming the order.

How does CETU assist with shipping and documentation?

CETU helps coordinate shipping arrangements and the export, traceability, and compliance documents required for the destination.

What information will I receive about each coffee?

We provide available details about the estate, region, variety, harvest, process, volume, quality, and traceability of each coffee.

Who do I contract and pay?

The producer. CETU coordinates the sourcing process but does not sell the coffee or take ownership of it.

If you produce coffee

How does CETU present my coffee to buyers?

We present your coffee accurately, using the information, story, specifications, and commercial details you provide.

Who sets the price and commercial terms?

The producer and buyer agree on the price and terms, with CETU supporting clear communication throughout the discussion.

How are samples and buyer feedback managed?

CETU coordinates samples, follows up with buyers, and shares their feedback with you.

Is there a minimum volume requirement?

Minimum volumes depend on the coffee, buyer requirements, and available shipping options.

Do I need to work exclusively with CETU?

No, producers are not required to work exclusively with CETU unless a separate arrangement is mutually agreed.

What information and documentation are required?

Requirements vary by destination but may include coffee specifications, traceability records, quality documents, and export documentation.

How is CETU compensated?

Through a commission agreed with the producer before sourcing begins, and settled once the trade is complete.