Understanding Coffee Grades in India
Indian coffee is graded based on bean size, defect count, and processing quality. Understanding these grades is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.
Grade A (Plantation A)
Premium grade with screen size 17 and above. Minimal defects, uniform size, suitable for single-origin roasters.
Best for: Single-Origin coffee, single-originGrade B (Plantation B)
Good quality with screen size 15 to 16. Slightly higher defect tolerance, excellent value for commercial use.
Best for: Commercial blends, cafesGrade C (Plantation C)
Standard grade with mixed screen sizes. Cost-effective for volume buyers, suitable for instant coffee and mass-market blends.
Best for: Instant coffee, mass marketPeaberry (PB)
Single oval-shaped beans from cherries that developed only one seed. More concentrated flavor, premium pricing.
Best for: Premium single-origin, single-originPricing Factors for Wholesale Coffee
Volume
Larger orders typically receive better per-kg pricing. MOQs vary by supplier, ranging from 50kg to 1 ton for wholesale rates.
Quality Grade
Grade A commands 20% to 40% premium over Grade C. Single-Origin-grade beans with cupping scores above 80 have additional premiums.
Origin
South Indian coffee (Karnataka, Kerala) often priced higher due to established reputation. Northeast origins offer value with emerging quality.
Certifications
Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade certifications add 10% to 25% to base pricing but access premium market segments.
How to Choose a Wholesale Supplier
Request Samples First
Any reputable supplier will provide samples for cupping. Evaluate multiple samples before committing to bulk orders. Blue Mountain offers sample packs for evaluation.
Verify Certifications
Check for FSSAI license, export certifications if needed, and any claimed organic or single-origin certifications. Ask for documentation.
Assess Consistency
Ask about harvest schedules, storage facilities, and quality control processes. Consistent quality across shipments is crucial for your brand.
Evaluate Communication
Responsive, transparent communication indicates a reliable partner. Clear pricing, realistic timelines, and proactive updates matter.
Consider Logistics
Understand shipping costs, delivery timelines, and packaging options. Some suppliers offer door-to-door delivery; others require pickup.
Minimum Order Quantities
MOQs vary by supplier and product type. Here's what to expect:
Small Roasters
- • Sample orders: 1 to 5 kg
- • Starter orders: 25 to 50 kg
- • Regular orders: 50 to 100 kg
Commercial Buyers
- • Standard MOQ: 500 kg to 1 ton
- • Container orders: 18 to 20 tons
- • Contract pricing: Annual agreements
Start Your Wholesale Journey
Blue Mountain Private Limited offers flexible wholesale options for businesses of all sizes. From sample packs for evaluation to container-load shipments, we support your coffee journey with premium Northeast Indian beans at competitive pricing.