Green Coffee Technical Specifications
Comprehensive Quality Standards for International Coffee Trade

Why Technical Specifications Matter
Building Trust Through Standardization

Understanding and adhering to technical specifications for green coffee beans is essential for coffee exporters, importers, and traders worldwide. These standards ensure consistent quality, facilitate international trade, and provide a common language for buyers and sellers to communicate their requirements and expectations.

Bean Size & Screen Classification
Moisture Content Standards
Defect Assessment Criteria
Foreign Material Limits
Color & Shape Consistency
Odor & Aroma Evaluation
Packaging Requirements
Certification Standards

Understanding Key Specifications

Bean Size & Screen Classification

Coffee beans are classified by size using screen numbers, which indicate the diameter in 1/64-inch increments. Larger beans (Screen 18) are generally considered higher quality, though size alone doesn't determine cup quality. Screen classification ensures uniformity in roasting and helps buyers select beans matching their specific processing needs.

Common Screen Sizes

Screen 18 (7.14mm), Screen 16 (6.35mm), Screen 13 (5.16mm)

Moisture Content

Moisture content is one of the most critical specifications for green coffee quality and shelf life. The optimal range of 9-12% ensures beans remain stable during storage and transportation while preserving their quality characteristics. Moisture levels outside this range can lead to serious quality issues.

Too High

> 13%

Optimal Range

9-12.5%

Too Low

< 9%

Defect Categories

Defects in green coffee beans can significantly impact cup quality and final product value. Understanding defect categories helps buyers specify acceptable tolerance levels and ensures quality expectations are met. Common defects include:

Black/Sour Beans - Premature picking or improper fermentation
Broken/Chipped Beans - Mechanical damage during processing
Insect Damage - Beetle holes or pest damage
Sour Beans - Over-fermentation during processing
Immature Beans - Underdeveloped or unripe beans

Foreign Material Standards

Foreign material includes any non-coffee substances such as stones, sticks, soil, or other debris. International standards typically limit foreign matter to 0.1-0.5% by weight. Strict foreign material control protects processing equipment and ensures product purity for end consumers.

Processing Methods & Quality Impact

Dry Processing (Natural)

In dry processing, whole coffee cherries are dried in the sun before removing the outer layers. This traditional method is common for Robusta coffee and produces beans with distinctive flavor characteristics.

Processing time: 3-4 weeks
Flavor profile: Full-bodied, earthy, low acidity
Body: Heavy, intense, chocolate notes

Wet Processing (Washed)

Wet processing removes the cherry pulp before drying, resulting in cleaner, more consistent flavor profiles. This method requires more water and infrastructure but produces beans prized for their clarity and brightness.

Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Flavor profile: Clean, bright, complex
Acidity: Higher, more pronounced

Processing Method Comparison

CharacteristicDry ProcessedWet Processed
Processing Time3-4 weeks1-2 weeks
Flavor ProfileFull-bodied, earthy, chocolateyClean, bright, complex
Quality ConsistencyVariable, weather-dependentMore consistent, controlled

Packaging & Storage Standards

Packaging Options

Jute Bags

Traditional packaging for green coffee, breathable and eco-friendly.

Standard: 60kg bags
Natural fiber, biodegradable

GrainPro Liners

Premium moisture barrier protection for long-distance shipping.

Hermetic seal protection
Extended shelf life preservation

Container Loading

Proper container specifications for optimal coffee preservation.

20ft: 320 bags (19.2 MT)
40ft: ~600 bags (36 MT)
Container liner available upon request

Jumbo Bags (Big Bags)

Bulk packaging solution for large-volume shipments.

1 metric ton per bag
Efficient handling and storage

Storage Best Practices

Temperature: Cool, stable environment (15-25°C / 59-77°F)
Relative Humidity: Controlled at 50-60% to prevent moisture absorption
Ventilation: Good air circulation to prevent condensation and odor transfer
Protection: Keep away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and ground moisture

Transportation Standards

Proper transportation ensures coffee quality is maintained from origin to destination. Containers should be clean, dry, and odor-free. Avoid shipments with strong-smelling products. Temperature and humidity monitoring during transit is recommended for premium shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are green coffee beans?

Green coffee beans are raw, unroasted coffee seeds extracted from coffee cherries. They are exported in this "green" state because they have a much longer shelf life than roasted coffee (12-24 months vs. weeks), are easier to transport in bulk, and allow buyers to roast according to their specific requirements and market preferences.

Why do technical specifications matter for international coffee trade?

Technical specifications create a standardized language between buyers and sellers across different countries and cultures. They help ensure quality consistency, facilitate fair pricing based on objective criteria, reduce disputes through clear expectations, enable quality comparison between suppliers, and meet regulatory requirements in importing countries. Without clear specifications, international trade would be inefficient and risky for both parties.

How are coffee beans measured and classified?

Coffee beans are classified using multiple criteria: Size is measured using screens (perforated metal sheets) with holes of specific diameters - Screen 18 means beans are retained by a screen with 18/64-inch holes. Defects are counted and categorized by type and severity. Moisture content is measured using electronic moisture meters. Color is assessed visually or with colorimeters. Cup quality is evaluated through professional cupping sessions following standardized protocols.

Why is moisture content so critical for green coffee?

Moisture content directly impacts coffee shelf life, quality stability, and even safety. Too high moisture (>13%) creates risk of mold growth, bacterial contamination, premature aging, and off-flavors. Too low moisture (<9%) can cause beans to become brittle and lose flavor compounds, and reduce weight (affecting commercial value). The 9-12.5% range maintains stability while preserving the beans' intrinsic quality characteristics throughout storage and transportation.

What are the most common defects and how do they affect cup quality?

Black/Sour beans create harsh, fermented, or medicinal flavors in the cup. Broken beans roast unevenly and can contribute bitterness. Insect-damaged beans produce unclean flavors and reduce overall cup quality. Immature beans lack sweetness and contribute astringency. Foreign material doesn't affect flavor directly but indicates poor quality control. Even small percentages of defects (1-2%) can noticeably impact cup quality, which is why premium grades specify very low defect tolerances.

What packaging options are available and which is best?

Standard jute bags (60kg) are traditional and economical for most shipments. GrainPro liners inside jute bags provide superior moisture protection for premium coffees or long sea voyages. Vacuum-sealed bags offer maximum protection but are more expensive and used for small quantities or samples. Super sacks (bulk bags) of 1000kg+ are efficient for large-volume commercial shipments. The best option depends on your budget, destination, shipment duration, and quality level. For specialty coffees or humid destinations, GrainPro liners are highly recommended.

What certifications does Phuoc Son offer?

Phuoc Son can provide various certifications based on customer requirements, including Organic, Fair Trade, 4C, and ISO 22000 food safety certification. We work directly with certified farmers and maintain proper chain-of-custody documentation. Not all certifications are available for all products - please contact us to discuss specific certification needs for your target markets.

How does Phuoc Son ensure consistent quality?

Our quality assurance includes: Direct relationships with certified farmer cooperatives, modern processing facilities with optical sorting technology, multiple quality control checkpoints from receiving to final packing, trained staff for professional cupping evaluation, pre-shipment samples and inspection reports, moisture and defect testing on every lot, and complete traceability from farm to container. We view quality as a partnership with our customers and stand behind every shipment with transparent documentation and responsive support.

How can I request detailed specifications for specific products?

You can request detailed specifications through our B2B contact form below, by emailing us directly, or through WhatsApp. We provide comprehensive specification sheets including: physical characteristics (screen size, moisture, defects), cupping scores and flavor notes, processing method and origin details, available certifications, packaging options, pricing and minimum order quantities, and sample availability. We're happy to discuss custom specifications to match your exact requirements.

What is the difference between Robusta and Arabica specifications?

While both varieties share similar specification frameworks (moisture, defects, size), Arabica typically commands stricter standards due to its specialty market positioning. Arabica is graded with more detailed defect classifications, generally requires lower moisture content (8-11%), has different screen size ranges (14-17 for Arabica vs. 13-18 for Robusta), and undergoes more rigorous cupping evaluation. Robusta specifications focus more on consistency and processing quality. Phuoc Son specializes in both varieties and can provide detailed grade descriptions for each.

Request Detailed Specifications
Contact our export team for product-specific technical documentation, samples, and customized solutions for your business needs.

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Louis Dreyfus Company
Sucafina
ECOM Trading
Volcafe
Olam International
Sucden
Nestlé
Intimex Group
TLC Trading
4C Association
Nescafé
Louis Dreyfus Company
Sucafina
ECOM Trading
Volcafe
Olam International
Sucden
Nestlé
Intimex Group
TLC Trading
4C Association
Nescafé

Contact PHƯỚC SƠN™

Phuoc Son Company
Tax Number: 5801157386
8:00 - 18:00 (Daily)
0263.3852.364
info@phuocson.net.vn
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Tax Number: 5801157386-001
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0964.500.289
hotel@phuocson.net.vn

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