Specialty Robusta — Honey and Natural

What specialty Robusta is

Most Robusta is traded as a commodity, on bean size and defect count. Specialty Robusta is traded on how it tastes. It is scored by cuppers on the SCA 100-point scale, the same scale used for specialty Arabica. A coffee that scores 80 points or more is called specialty.

We offer two fine Robusta lots from Vietnam’s Central Highlands:

Lot	Process	Score
Fine Honey Robusta	Gold Honey	SCA 81
Fine Specialty Natural	Natural	SCA 83

Both are available as green coffee. Roasting to order is available on request.

The two processes

• Honey process. The skin is removed, but some of the sticky fruit layer (mucilage) is left on the bean while it dries. “Gold” honey means a moderate amount of mucilage is left. It usually gives a sweeter, rounder cup than a washed Robusta.
• Natural process. The whole coffee cherry is dried with the fruit still on, and then hulled. It usually gives more body and fruit character.

Both need careful drying and more hand work than commodity Robusta. That is why they are sold in small lots and at a premium.

Who buys specialty Robusta

• Specialty roasters who want a Robusta that can stand alone as a single origin.
• Espresso roasters who want better Robusta in their blend for body and crema, without harsh notes.
• Buyers exploring fine Robusta as an alternative to Arabica. (We do not supply Arabica.)

The specification

Species	Robusta (Coffea canephora)
Origin	Central Highlands, Vietnam
Lots	Fine Honey Robusta (Gold Honey, SCA 81) · Fine Specialty Natural (Natural, SCA 83)
Screen size	[SCREEN]
Moisture	[MAX %]
Crop year	[CROP]
Lot size	[KG OR BAGS PER LOT]
Packing	[BAG TYPE, GRAINPRO]
Port of loading	[LOADING PORT]

Samples first

With specialty coffee, the sample is the product. We send sealed green samples, couriered against your account, so you can roast and cup them yourself before you commit. The lot you approve is written into the contract as the reference sample.

How the lot is checked

Before shipping, the lot is checked against the approved sample and the specification for moisture, screen and defects. Third-party inspection by SGS, Control Union or Vinacontrol can be added when it is named in the contract.

Documents

Usually a certificate of origin, a phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of quality and quantity, a packing list, a commercial invoice and the bill of lading. EU buyers: EUDR due-diligence documentation — [STATUS]. Ask before the contract.

How to order

1. Message us on WhatsApp or send the enquiry form. Tell us which lot, your volume and your destination. We reply within one working day, Vietnam time (UTC+7).
2. Cup the sealed samples.
3. Sign the contract: CIF or CFR (CNF), FOB on request.
4. The lot is checked and shipped. You receive photos and documents.

Questions buyers ask

Who scored these lots?

[CUPPER / Q-GRADER AND DATE]. Ask for the cupping sheet with your samples.

Can I visit?

Yes. We are based in Nha Trang, a few hours’ drive from the Central Highlands. We arrange visits to the processors and warehouses that handle your coffee. If you also want to see a farm, ask.

Is there a minimum order?

Specialty lots are small. Tell us your volume and we will say plainly what is available.

HS code

Green coffee: HS 0901.11. Roasted coffee: HS 0901.21. Your customs broker confirms the national line.