How to Buy Bulk Coffee: Order Quantity, Storage, & More

Running a coffee shop or thinking of starting one? Buying bulk coffee can make your life a whole lot easier. Getting high-quality bulk coffee beans in larger quantities not only speeds up operations but can save you a pretty penny. In this guide, we'll explore the major keys to buying bulk coffee, including order quantities, storage solutions, and how to find the right roasts for your daily grind.

Why Bulk Coffee Orders Make Sense

Buying in bulk can do a few different things for you. Mainly, it allows shop owners to maintain a consistent supply of fresh coffee, which your regular customers might be expecting. When you order in bulk, you often benefit from lower prices per pound compared to purchasing smaller quantities, giving a hand to your profit margins as well.

Bulk ordering also enables better inventory management. You can forecast demand more accurately and avoid running out of stock, which can prevent headaches. Establishing a relationship with a pretty rad coffee supplier like Dilworth ensures you get the best quality beans consistently, fostering customer loyalty and enhancing your brand's rep.

Still have a few questions? Check out our consulting services; we’d love to talk shop and put together your tailor-made recommendations for buying bulk coffee.

How Much Should You Order at a Time?

Determining how much coffee to order can be tricky, but not after a few considerations. First, check out your sales volume. If you’re in a high-traffic area or have a strong online presence, you may need to order larger quantities more frequently. On the other hand, if you’re just starting or have a smaller customer base, it might be wise to start with smaller orders and then tick things up over time.

A good rule of thumb is to calculate your average weekly coffee usage and multiply that by the number of weeks you want to cover with your order. Simply put, if you use 50 pounds of coffee per week and want to order for two weeks, order 100 pounds (your math may not be so simple, but you get the logic). This ensures you have enough inventory on hand while minimizing the risk of overstocking.

Storing Bulk Coffee

Once you’ve placed your order, proper storage is your next step in providing freshness and flavor. Coffee beans are pretty sensitive little creatures, and can be affected by light, heat, moisture, and air, leading to staleness and loss of quality over time. Here are some storage tips to keep your coffee at its best:

• Use Airtight Containers: Once you’ve removed beans from their shelf stable bags, store them in airtight containers made of glass, ceramic, or food-grade plastic. This will help keep out air and moisture.
• Keep Away from Light: Light can degrade the quality of coffee beans, so store them in a dark place. Consider using containers that aren’t see-through to further shield them from light exposure.
• Temperature Control: Keep your coffee beans in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas near heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight.
• Avoid Freezing: While some may suggest freezing coffee beans for long-term storage, this can affect their flavor and aroma. We try to make ordering as easy as possible, so you can keep beans moving quickly, avoiding the need for any long term preservation.

By implementing these storage tips, you can help ensure that your bulk coffee retains its rich flavors and aromas, which could make the difference of turning a first-time customer to a regular.

Can You Store Cold Brew Coffee in Bulk?

We talked a lot about the great benefits of offering cold brew at your store in a recent blog. The good news on bulk cold brew is that it can be made in large quantities and stored effectively, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

• Shelf Life: Cold brew coffee in bulk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, for optimal freshness and flavor, it’s best consumed within the first week after brewing.
• Storage Containers: Use large glass or plastic containers with airtight seals to store your cold brew. Avoid using metal containers, as they can add foreign flavors to your already perfect brews.
• Dilution Considerations: Many coffee shops serve cold brew diluted with water or milk. Storing your cold brew in its concentrated form can take up less space, making room for your other coffee supplies.

By paying attention to these factors, you can successfully store cold brew coffee in bulk, ensuring that you always have this bold and approachable beverage available for your customers.

Finding the Right Bulk Roasts for Your Shop

While you can dial in the details of ordering and storing any old coffee, you don’t have to sacrifice the quality your customers are used to. To choose the right roasts, start by understanding the customers you’re after. Are they looking for rich, bold flavors, or do they prefer lighter, fruitier notes? Once you’ve established your target flavor profiles, try a few different options from your local supplier.

Consider conducting tastings with your team as well to find the beans that fit the overall vibe of your brand. Sampling various origins, roast levels, and processing methods can help you identify the roast that hits it out of the park.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonal offerings or limited-edition blends. This can create excitement and drive sales, keeping your menu fresh and engaging for your customers. For more insights on how to structure your menu and pricing strategies, check out our blog on how profitable coffee shops can be.

Get Started with Bulk Coffee Today

Buying bulk coffee is a witty move that can benefit your business in plenty of ways. By understanding how much to order, implementing proper storage techniques, and selecting the right roasts, you can expect smooth brews and smooth processes.

Looking to shake things up a bit on your menu? Give Dilworth Coffee a shot today (and maybe one of our bold, sweet espresso roasts, too)! Whether you’re just starting your shop or looking for something a little different from your current beans, buying in bulk can make your life a little easier.