What are Spot Sales?
Spot sales refer to the purchase of green coffee that is already available for shipment. The coffee has been harvested, processed, quality evaluated, imported, and is typically stored in a warehouse, allowing buyers to purchase immediately without committing months in advance.
Unlike forward booking, where coffee is contracted before arrival, spot coffee is ready to ship. Buyers can review quality samples, compare different lots, and purchase only when they know exactly what they're getting.
Why Spot Sales Matter
Quality certainty
Because the coffee has already been processed and sampled, buyers can evaluate its physical and cup quality before making a purchasing decision. This significantly reduces the uncertainty associated with buying coffee earlier in the supply chain.
Maximum flexibility
Spot sales allow roasters to purchase only when coffee is needed. This makes it easier to respond to changing demand, fill inventory gaps, test new origins or producers, and adjust buying decisions throughout the year.
Immediate availability
Since the coffee is already in the destination warehouse, orders can typically be fulfilled much faster than forward contracts, making spot coffee ideal for short-term purchasing needs.
Reduced purchasing commitment
Buyers are not required to forecast demand months in advance. This makes spot purchasing an attractive option for smaller roasters, businesses with unpredictable sales, or anyone looking to minimize inventory risk.
Trade-offs to Consider
The convenience of spot coffee comes at a cost. By the time coffee reaches the warehouse, importers have already financed the purchase, managed logistics, stored the coffee, and carried the commercial risk throughout the supply chain. These costs are reflected in the final price, meaning spot coffees are often more expensive than equivalent coffees purchased through forward contracts.
Availability can also be limited. Exceptional lots may sell quickly, and buyers purchasing only on the spot market may have fewer choices than those who commit to coffees earlier in the season.
Spot Sales in Commercial vs. Specialty Coffee
In commercial coffee, spot sales typically involve standardized grades traded at current market prices, with purchasing decisions driven primarily by volume and availability.
In specialty coffee, spot sales focus on individual lots that have already been cupped and quality approved. Buyers can select coffees based on their actual flavour profile, making spot purchasing an excellent option for discovering new producers, filling seasonal gaps, or purchasing smaller volumes without long-term commitments.
Where Nordic Approach Fits In
Our spot offering consists of coffees that have already arrived, completed quality control, and are ready for immediate shipment. Roasters can evaluate available lots, order quickly, and purchase with confidence, making spot coffee an ideal solution for flexible buying, trial purchases, and short-term inventory planning.
Learn more: Planning = Better Coffee For Less
FAQ About Spot Sales
Q1: Can buyers sample coffee before purchasing?
A: Yes. Spot coffees have already been processed and quality evaluated, allowing buyers to review physical and cup samples before committing to a purchase.
Q2: Why are spot coffees often more expensive than forward-booked coffees?
A: Spot prices include the costs of financing, storage, warehousing, logistics, and the commercial risk already carried by the importer, all of which are incurred before the coffee is sold.
Q3: Why would a roaster choose spot sales instead of forward booking?
A: Spot sales provide immediate availability, quality certainty, and maximum purchasing flexibility. They are ideal for roasters who prefer not to forecast demand months in advance or who want to try new coffees before making longer-term commitments.