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In the world of coffee, Robusta beans, with their round shape and diameter of about 10-13 mm, are often characterized by their rich and strong flavor. Robusta beans have a higher caffeine content, ranging from 3-4%, compared to Arabica's 1-2%. For optimal growth, Robusta coffee requires plenty of rain and full sunlight. The ideal temperature for development is between 24-29 degrees Celsius.
With its diverse topography, Vietnam has become an ideal destination for growing Robusta coffee. Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, and Dak Nong are famous regions known for their high-quality Robusta coffee.
Coffee beans from a garden in Nam Ban, Lam Dong.
Harvesting coffee beans
Robusta coffee plays a crucial role in Vietnam's coffee industry. Since the 2000s, Vietnam has become the world's largest exporter of Robusta coffee. In 2023, Vietnam's Robusta coffee exports reached 1.83 million tons, accounting for 90% of total coffee exports and 40% of the global market share.
The "Start" workshop space in Hanoi.
Experience the unique aroma of each Robusta coffee sample.
“Actually, my biggest passion is agriculture and processing, but to pursue 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 – that’s how Bui Coffee Supply was born,” shared Mr. Bui Canh.
In 2021, Bui Canh, the founder of Bui Coffee Supply, embarked on a bold idea – building a coffee roasting factory, opening doors to future dreams. Just one year after Bui Coffee Supply's inception, Bui Canh found his calling in Nam Ban – a place that provided him with endless inspiration. Prior to this, he had worked for a coffee company in Nam Ha, Lam Dong, which had a factory in Nam Ban. Interacting with the people of Nam Ban, Bui Canh felt at home, a place where there were no boundaries between buyer and seller. He then leased a 32-hectare plot of land from a friend in Nam Ban, and Bui Origin – the brand of Bui Coffee Supply – began to take shape, aiming to develop 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 "Start" tasting workshop series, Bui Coffee Supply has opened up a unique experience to bring Robusta samples closer to coffee lovers. Guests were welcomed and provided with the necessary equipment to prepare for the upcoming cupping process.
Then, staff from Bui Coffee Supply introduced each product they had brought from Ho Chi Minh City. What was appealing was that the coffee beans were still fresh and displayed in an eye-catching and familiar way. Next to the coffee products, they had a farmer's outfit – the attire Bui Coffee Supply uses in the coffee production process. After being shown the workshop space, Mr. Bui Canh – the founder of Bui Coffee Supply – shared about their new season, stating that with youthful energy, they want to bring Robusta coffee beans throughout Vietnam and build their dreams. And today, Bui Coffee Supply proudly presented all the Robusta products they have created.
The coffee drying process
The workshop began with participants smelling samples of freshly roasted dry coffee beans, and everyone was very interested in the experience. They took turns smelling different coffee samples in a counter-clockwise direction, then giving their opinions on the aroma. They also discussed the production process. Mr. Bui Canh shared that the green coffee beans are dried extensively in greenhouses under strict quality control.
This drying process is usually divided into four stages, each with its own preliminary processing method. Drying typically takes 20 to 30 days to achieve an 11% moisture content. After drying to the ideal moisture level, the outer husk of the coffee bean is separated using specialized machinery. At this point, the green coffee beans are ready for the next steps. After roasting, the coffee needs to undergo a degassing (de-aeration) process, usually at least 48 hours, to naturally release CO2. From tiny, sun-dried beans to a delicious cup of coffee, it's a long and dedicated journey. Enjoying specialty coffee is an experience of appreciating true value, from the subtle flavors to the hard work of the farmers and coffee artisans.
Coffee bean processing
The Bui Coffee Supply team blends seamlessly into the life of farmers.
After smelling the dry coffee samples, Bui Coffee Supply added boiling water at the correct temperature, skimmed off any air bubbles, and started the timer to begin the coffee tasting. Adding water intensified the initial aroma of the dry coffee, with each sample becoming more distinct. Then came the most exciting part of the cupping process: tasting. Continuing counter-clockwise, everyone took turns tasting each coffee sample, slurping loudly as they savored the exquisite flavors that Bui Coffee Supply had brought to the workshop.
Grind the Robusta beans in preparation for cupping.
Displaying farmer's attire at the workshop creates a more intimate atmosphere.
“Bui Coffee Supply is not only a place to cultivate and care for high-quality coffee beans, but also the starting point for the story and dream of a sustainable coffee industry.” Bui Coffee Supply's processed Robusta coffee products are highly appreciated by young people, coffee shop owners, and coffee lovers alike. This is why Robusta is such a popular and beloved coffee variety.
“From heart to beans” is the message from Bui Coffee Supply, reflecting its commitment to each product, with the primary goal of creating coffee with consistent and stable flavor. Bui Coffee Supply is not just a coffee production business, but also a community of coffee enthusiasts, always striving for “Work for better coffee”—working for a better, higher-quality coffee industry for Vietnam.
