In the world of coffee, Robusta beans are round in shape, about 10 - 13 mm in diameter, often characterized by a rich and strong taste. The amount of caffeine in Robusta beans is higher, ranging from 3 - 4%, compared to Arabica's only 1 - 2%. To grow well, Robusta coffee needs a lot of rain and full sunlight. The ideal temperature for growth is from 24 - 29 degrees Celsius.
With its diverse terrain, Vietnam has become an ideal destination for growing Robusta coffee. Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Dak Nong are famous regions for quality Robusta coffee.
Coffee beans in Nam Ban garden, Lam Dong
Harvesting coffee beans
Robusta coffee plays an important role in Vietnam's coffee industry. Since the 2000s, Vietnam has become the largest exporter of Robusta coffee in the world. In 2023, Vietnam's Robusta coffee export volume reached 1.83 million tons, accounting for 90% of total coffee export volume and 40% of the world market share.
"Khoi" workshop space in Hanoi
Experience smelling each sample of Robusta coffee
“Actually, my biggest passion is agriculture and processing, but to do that, I need significant resources. So, I decided to start by building a coffee roasting factory, to have an easier start and realize my dream - Bui Coffee Supply was born from there” - Mr. Bui Canh shared.
In 2021, Bui Coffee Supply founder - Bui Canh started a bold idea - building a coffee roasting factory, opening doors for future dreams. Just one year after Bui Coffee Supply was born, Bui Canh had a relationship with Nam Ban - a place that gave him endless inspiration. Before that, he worked for a coffee company in Nam Ha, Lam Dong with a factory in Nam Ban. Coming into contact with people in Nam Ban, Bui Canh felt like he was at home, where there was no boundary between buyers and sellers. He then rented a 32-hectare piece of land from a friend in Nam Ban and Bui Origin - the brand of Bui Coffee Supply began to take shape, with the goal of developing Robusta beans - their core product.
Coffee processing
Coffee processing
By bringing coffee from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue, Da Nang and finally Hanoi through the “Khoi” series of tasting workshops, Bui Coffee Supply has opened a unique experience to bring Robusta samples closer to coffee lovers. Welcoming guests and providing everyone with tools to prepare for the upcoming cupping process.
Then the staff from Bui Coffee Supply introduced each product that they had brought from Ho Chi Minh City. The interesting thing here is that the coffee beans are still fresh and are arranged very eye-catching and familiar, next to the coffee products they put farmer clothes - the clothes that Bui Coffee Supply uses in the process of producing coffee products. After seeing the workshop space, Mr. Bui Canh - founder of Bui Coffee Supply shared about their new crop with the youthful energy of trying to bring Robusta beans throughout Vietnam, at the same time building his dream. And today Bui Coffee Supply proudly brought here all the Robusta products that they have created.
Coffee drying process
The moment the workshop participants started smelling each sample of freshly roasted dry coffee, everyone was very excited about this experience. Taking turns counterclockwise smelling each different coffee sample and then evaluating the smell. Discussing with everyone about the process of making that product. Mr. Bui Canh shared that green coffee beans are dried in greenhouses and strictly controlled.
This drying process is usually divided into 4 stages, each stage drying according to its own preliminary processing method. The drying time usually lasts from 20 to 30 days to reach 11% humidity. After drying to the ideal humidity, the outer husk of the coffee bean is separated by a specialized machine. At this point, the green coffee beans are ready for the next steps. After roasting, the coffee needs to go through the DEGAS stage (degassing), usually at least 48 hours to release CO2 naturally. From the tiny, fully dried beans to the delicious cup of coffee, it is a long and dedicated journey. Enjoying specialty coffee is an experience of enjoying the true value, from the delicate flavor to the effort of farmers and coffee artisans.
Coffee bean processing
Bui Coffee Supply team immerses themselves in the farmers' life
After smelling the dry sample, Bui Coffee Supply added boiling water at the right temperature, removed all the bubbles that rose and started the timer to let everyone enjoy the essence of the coffee. When adding water, the initial smell of the dry coffee will be clearer for each different sample. Then the most exciting step in the cupping process is tasting. Still going counterclockwise, everyone took turns tasting each coffee sample with the sound of sipping as if they were enjoying the essence that Bui Coffee Supply brought to the workshop.
Grinding Robusta beans in preparation for cupping
Displaying farmer costumes at the workshop creates a more intimate feeling
“Bui Coffee Supply is not only a place to nurture and care for high-quality coffee beans, but also a starting point for the story and dream of a sustainable coffee industry.” With the Robusta coffee products that Bui Coffee Supply processes, most young people are very interested, coffee shop owners and coffee lovers also highly appreciate this Robusta product. That is also the reason why Robusta is a popular coffee line that everyone loves.
“From heart to beans” is the message from Bui Coffee Supply, expressing its commitment to each product, with the primary goal of creating coffee with consistent, consistent and stable flavor. Bui Coffee Supply is not only a coffee production enterprise, but also a community of coffee enthusiasts, always aiming to “Work for better coffee” - working for a better, higher quality coffee for Vietnam.
