How do I check a coffee roaster’s packaging suppliers and lead times?

Start with the supplier list and the last year of purchase orders. Look at who supplies what, how often the roaster orders and whether anyone has ever delivered late. Printed bags and labels often take the longest, and a short run-out can stop shipments even when the coffee is ready.

Next, walk the packaging store. Compare what is on the shelf with how quickly the shop uses it, and ask when the next orders are due. Ask also about custom artwork: who owns the files, where they are kept and whether the printer holds them.

Then check for dependence. If one supplier makes the main bag, ask whether there is a tested alternative and how quickly a switch could happen. Ask how prices have changed, and whether the seller has terms or only a habit of ordering. Last, think about timing around busy periods, when suppliers are stretched and the roaster’s own orders pile up. Ask what the shop does when a delivery is late, and whether it has ever paid for rush freight.

Key takeaways

• Review a year of purchase orders for late or short deliveries.
• Compare shelf stock with how fast the roaster uses it.
• Confirm who holds the artwork files for printed bags and labels.
• Find out whether a tested second supplier exists for the main bag.