Buying Colombian green coffee: a guide for importers
Colombia is the world's third-largest coffee producer and its largest producer of washed Arabica, so for most roasters Colombian coffee is a portfolio staple rather than an option. This guide covers what you need to specify and contract Colombian green coffee with confidence.
Start with the grade
Colombian export coffee is classified mainly by bean size. Excelso (broadly screen 14–16) is the benchmark trade grade and the backbone of most blends and single origins. Supremo (screen 17/18) is the premium large-screen grade, chosen for its bold, uniform beans. Both are 100% washed Arabica; screen size measures the bean, not the cup.
Understand the preparation
Beyond grade, Colombian coffee is sold to standard preparations:
- EP (European Preparation) — tighter defect and screen tolerances, for premium blends.
- UGQ (Usual Good Quality) — the dependable standard export preparation.
- To specification — your own screen, defect count and cup profile.
Decide on origin and certification
You can buy generic Colombian coffee, or specify a region (Huila, Nariño, Cauca, Tolima, Antioquia and more) for a distinctive profile, or a specialty lot cupping 84+. If your customers require sustainability credentials, ask for certified coffee — Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Fairtrade or organic.
Contract and ship
Confirm grade, preparation, certification, packing (typically 70 kg jute bags, often GrainPro-lined), quantity, quality clauses, Incoterms (FOB Buenaventura or Cartagena, CFR or CIF) and shipment window. Always approve a sample first. Buying through a cooperative exporter like Expocafé gives you traceability back to the growers and a single accountable partner. Tell us what you need and we'll send pricing and an offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common Colombian export grade?
Excelso (broadly screen 14–16) is the most widely traded Colombian grade and the backbone of blends and single origins; Supremo (17/18) is the premium large-screen grade.
How is Colombian green coffee packed?
Most commonly in 70 kg jute bags, frequently GrainPro- or vacuum-lined to protect freshness; bulk and other formats are available to order.
Should I confirm specifications before contracting?
Always. Approve a representative sample against your target cup and specification before confirming a contract — it is standard practice in green-coffee trade.
Further reading
Source Colombian green coffee
Tell us the grade, preparation, certification and destination — we'll reply with samples and an offer.