Green Coffee Sourcing
A practical guide to buying green coffee from Vietnam. Understand the logistics, packaging, minimum order quantities (MOQ), and shipping terms involved in international coffee trade.
The Export Process
Sourcing coffee from Vietnam is a highly streamlined process. Vietnam is the world's second-largest exporter, and its logistics infrastructure for coffee is robust. The majority of coffee is shipped out of two main ports: Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai Port) in the south, and Da Nang in the center.
Pricing is almost universally based on the ICE Futures Europe (London) Robusta contract, plus or minus a differential based on the specific grade (e.g., G1 S18) and processing method (e.g., Wet Polished).
Packaging Options
Jute Bags (60kg)
The global standard for specialty and premium commercial coffee. 60kg net weight per bag. For long transit times or humid destinations, we highly recommend adding GrainPro liners inside the jute bags to preserve moisture content and protect against odors and insects.
Bulk Containers
For large-scale commercial buyers and roasters. Green coffee is pumped directly into a 20ft container fitted with a large plastic liner (a "bulk liner"). This maximizes the weight per container (up to ~21 metric tons) and reduces packaging costs, but requires specialised unloading equipment at the destination.
Shipping & Incoterms
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FOBFree On Board (Ho Chi Minh or Da Nang). The most common term. We cover all costs and risks up to loading the coffee onto the vessel at the Vietnamese port. You handle the ocean freight, insurance, and import clearance.
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CIFCost, Insurance, and Freight. We handle the ocean freight and insurance to your specified destination port. You take over for customs clearance and inland transport.
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EXWEx Works. You pick up the coffee directly from our warehouse in Dak Lak or Ho Chi Minh City. Rarely used for international buyers unless you have a consolidated agent in Vietnam.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Our standard MOQ for direct export is 1 Metric Ton (1,000 kg). This equals approximately 17 x 60kg bags, shipped as an LCL (Less than Container Load) shipment.
For optimal freight economics, we recommend ordering in FCL (Full Container Loads):
- 20ft Container (Bagged): ~19.2 Metric Tons (320 bags)
- 20ft Container (Bulk): ~21.0 Metric Tons