What Are Type Samples?
Type samples are reference coffee samples that represent the expected quality, flavor profile, and physical characteristics of a particular coffee before a specific lot has been selected or contracted. Rather than representing an individual shipment, a type sample demonstrates the general style or "type" of coffee a producer, exporter, region, or processing method is capable of delivering.
Type samples are commonly used during the early stages of sourcing, allowing buyers to evaluate whether a coffee matches their desired profile before requesting lot-specific samples or entering commercial negotiations. They provide an efficient way to assess origin characteristics, processing styles, and overall quality without relying on a single production lot.
Why Type Samples Matter
Early sourcing decisions: Type samples help buyers determine whether a producer, cooperative, or origin is likely to offer coffees that fit their sourcing goals before reviewing individual lots.
Understanding coffee profiles: They provide insight into the typical flavor characteristics, processing style, and quality level associated with a particular coffee or origin.
Efficient communication: Type samples create a common quality reference between buyers and sellers, making it easier to discuss expectations before investing time in evaluating multiple lot-specific samples.
The Type Sampling Process
Type samples are usually prepared from coffees that are representative of a producer's or exporter's typical quality. They may be created by blending coffees from previous harvests, selecting representative lots from the current season, or using historical reference samples that illustrate the intended coffee style.
Once buyers express interest based on a type sample, they will typically request offer samples or other lot-specific samples that represent coffee actually available for purchase. Those samples then become the basis for commercial evaluation and eventual purchasing decisions.
Type Samples in Commercial vs Specialty Coffee
In commercial coffee, type samples are often used to demonstrate general grade, screen size, defect levels, and expected cup quality for standard contract specifications.
In specialty coffee, type samples place greater emphasis on sensory characteristics such as sweetness, acidity, balance, processing expression, and regional identity. While they are useful for introducing a coffee program, specialty buyers ultimately rely on lot-specific samples before committing to a purchase, as even small differences between lots can significantly affect quality.
Where Nordic Approach Fits In
We use type samples to introduce producers, origins, and coffee styles before moving into detailed lot selection. They help roasters understand the overall character of a coffee program and identify sourcing opportunities that match their preferences. Once interest is established, we provide offer samples and later pre-shipment samples to ensure the purchased coffee consistently meets the expected quality throughout the sourcing process.
Learn more about our other sample types, including Offer Samples, Pre-shipment Samples, and Arrival Samples.
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FAQ About Type Samples
Q1: Are type samples taken from the exact coffee I will purchase?A1: Not usually. Type samples are representative reference samples intended to demonstrate the general style and quality of a coffee. Buyers should evaluate lot-specific samples before making a purchasing decision.
Q2: When are type samples used?A2: Type samples are typically used at the beginning of the sourcing process to help buyers identify producers, regions, or coffee styles that fit their requirements before reviewing individual lots.
Q3: How do type samples differ from offer samples?A3: A type sample represents a general coffee profile or style, while an offer sample comes from a specific lot that is available for sale and is used for purchasing decisions.