A Roaster's Guide to Wholesale Coffee Beans

Hello there. As coffee roasters, we spend our days obsessing over one thing: turning amazing green coffee beans into the delicious roasted coffee that you serve your customers. We see the whole process, from the farm to the final cup.

Lots of people ask us what they should look for when choosing a supplier for wholesale coffee beans. So, we decided to pull back the curtain and share a roaster's perspective. Think of this as an insider's guide to help you find the perfect coffee partner for your business.

It All Starts with Good Green Beans

Before we even turn the roaster on, the most important decision has already been made: the quality of the green coffee beans.

You can't turn bad green beans into good coffee. As a roasted coffee bean supplier, we source beans from farmers and regions known for quality, focusing on altitude, processing, and grade. Ethical sourcing and quality are the true foundations of great coffee.

When you're talking to a supplier, ask them where their beans come from. A passionate roaster will be excited to tell you the story behind their coffee.

The Roaster's Craft: Creating Flavour

Once we have great green beans, our job is to unlock their flavour. This is done by creating a roast profile, a precise recipe of time and temperature that brings out the best in that specific bean.

Our goal is consistency. We want the espresso blend you buy today to taste exactly the same as the one you buy next month. This is crucial for your business, because your customers come back for that same, familiar taste. A good roaster uses technology and skill to ensure every single batch is consistent.

The Most Important Thing on the Bag: The Roast Date

If you remember one thing from this guide, make it this: the roast date is the ultimate sign of quality.

Coffee is a fresh product. It starts to lose its flavour and aroma a few weeks after being roasted. That’s why we, as roasters, put a "Roasted On" date on every single bag. It’s our promise of freshness to you.

Be very wary of any wholesale coffee beans in Australia that only have a "Best Before" date. That date could be a year away and tells you nothing about when the coffee was actually roasted. Always demand a roast date.

How to Choose Your Coffee Partner

Finding the right supplier is about more than just finding the cheapest bulk coffee beans. It's about finding a partner who will help your business succeed.
  1. Taste First
    Always try the coffee yourself. Ask for samples, both black and with milk, to make sure it’s something you’d be proud to serve. Good suppliers are happy to share their coffee.
  2. Don’t Choose on Price Alone
    Very cheap coffee often means poor quality, old stock, or unfair sourcing. Good wholesale coffee is priced to reflect quality farming and roasting, and your customers will taste the difference.
  3. Look for a Partner, Not Just a Supplier
    The right roaster should support your cafe with:
  • Barista training
  • Equipment and grinder advice
  • Reliable ongoing support

With a partner in mind, it’s time to choose your coffee style.

When you look at a roaster's list, you'll mainly see two options:
Blends vs Single Origin Coffee
  • Coffee Blends
    A mix of beans crafted for balance and consistency. Ideal for everyday espresso and milk-based coffees - reliable, smooth, and crowd-friendly.
  • Single Origin
    Beans from one farm or region, offering unique flavours and character. Best for specialty espresso or filter options when you want to give customers something distinct and seasonal.
Most successful cafes use a reliable blend for their main coffee and offer a rotating single origin to keep things interesting.

Building Your Own Brand with Private Label

If you want to create a truly unique identity for your business, you can work with a roaster to create private label coffee beans. This means we help you develop a unique blend that is exclusive to your business, packaged in bags with your own branding. It's a powerful way to make your cafe stand out.

Choosing the right wholesale coffee supplier can shape your business. Partner with a roaster who values freshness, quality, and your success as much as you do—that’s the start of a genuine coffee partnership.

Ready to serve better coffee? Get in touch. The Blind Coffee Roaster is your trusted partner for both residential and commercial coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wholesale Coffee Beans

How much should I pay for wholesale coffee beans in Australia?

The price for quality wholesale beans typically ranges from $28 to $45 per kilo. The cost depends on the quality and origin of the green beans, and any certifications like organic. Cheaper options are available, but they often sacrifice quality and freshness.

What are the benefits of buying coffee wholesale?

The main benefits are a significantly lower price per kilo compared to retail, access to much fresher coffee (especially when buying direct from a roaster), and a consistent supply for your business.

How do I choose a good coffee roaster?

Choose a good roaster by tasting their coffee, checking that they provide a clear "roast date" on their bags, and seeing what level of support (like training and equipment advice) they offer. A good roaster acts as a partner to your business.

What is the difference between a coffee roaster and a distributor?

A coffee roaster is the business that actually roasts the green coffee beans. A distributor is a middleman who buys coffee from various roasters and sells it on. Buying directly from a roaster almost always guarantees a fresher product and better expert knowledge.

How do I start my own coffee brand in Australia?

The easiest way is through a private label program with a coffee roaster. They will work with you to create a unique blend and package it with your branding, allowing you to launch a coffee brand without investing in roasting equipment.

How do you store wholesale coffee beans?

Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. The best way is to keep them in the one-way valve bags they come in. Don't put them in the fridge or freezer. Try to use the beans within 2-4 weeks of the roast date for the best flavour.