Why Supporting the Specialty Coffee Industry Matters (More Than You Think)

Bryce Mead
6 days ago
3 min read

The Coffee Belt

As I write this from Vietnam, I have been in a state of fascination – observing the hustle and bustle. People coming and going; working, eating, cleaning. I wonder about each person’s life. How is their home life? Is their business profitable? Are they worried about financial obligations? Aren't we all fighting the same fight?

Attempting to make ends meet, keep a business going, enjoy life. Ah, the struggle of maintaining balance.

Earlier today, I was behind an elderly woman with a heavy load of produce perched precariously on her shoulders. I couldn’t help but reflect on how many times she’s walked these streets, carrying load after load of produce, hoping it ends up in someone’s shopping bag, so she can earn a modest profit.

Then, I am transported back to the reality of our life in the USA. For some of us, we live in a locale where we could only dream of purchasing farm-to-table produce. In a world where convenience often wins, it’s easy to whiz through a drive-thru, exchanging $5 for a quick cup of coffee from the nearest chain, only to move on with your day.

We all like a story, right? Well, specialty coffee has a story—one of craftsmanship, sustainability, and community. If you’ve ever wondered why supporting specialty coffee is important, let’s explore what makes it so special—and why it’s worth your support.

1. It Supports Fairer Wages for Farmers

Most coffee drinkers don’t see what happens before beans reach their cup, but it all starts with farmers—many of whom are barely scraping by to make ends meet. Yet that does not dilute the passion behind their craft. Specialty coffee focuses on quality, and with quality comes higher prices. I firmly believe specialty coffee farmers deserve to be paid more for their prized crop.

By choosing specialty coffee, you're helping a system where farmers receive acknowledgment not only for their hard work, but also for their expertise and commitment.

2. It Encourages Sustainable Practices

Specialty coffee producers often prioritize sustainability, both environmentally and socially. This involves a wide range of practices, such as using organic growing techniques, managing water efficiently, protecting biodiversity, and adopting shade-grown farming methods.

On the roasting and retail side, many specialty coffee shops and roasters also focus on reducing waste, using compostable packaging, and sourcing responsibly. Your daily cup can actually be a small but meaningful step toward supporting eco-conscious business practices.

3. It’s a Celebration of Craft

Specialty coffee is all about attention to detail—from seed to cup. As a roaster, I carefully profile each bean in a way I think best represents that particular coffee.. Baristas are trained to extract espresso with precision. Even the way your pour-over is brewed takes time and care.

When you support specialty coffee, you're supporting artisans who treat coffee like a craft, not a commodity. And the result? A cup that can surprise you with vibrant flavors that can shock your taste buds into oblivion – I love hearing “never knew coffee could taste like this!”.

4. It Builds Local Community

Specialty coffee shops often serve as gathering spaces—a social hub where people come together to work, connect, or just enjoy vibe. A lot of these stores are independently or locally owned, which means your money stays in the area and helps small business owners who are passionate about their work.

Choosing to support a local specialty café over a multinational chain helps keep your local economy vibrant and diverse.

5. It Inspires Transparency and Education

Transparency is a core value in the specialty coffee world. Roasters and shops often share where the beans are from, how they were processed, and who grew them. This transparency helps create a more ethical and traceable supply chain, and it encourages customers to discover more about what they are drinking.

By supporting specialty coffee, you’re not just consuming—you’re participating in a more informed and intentional way of drinking coffee.

The Bottom Line? Specialty Coffee Is About More Than Just a Cup

Specialty coffee might be a bit more costly, but this additional cost helps create a better world. It supports fair wages for farmers, encourages sustainable farming, values skilled craftsmanship, and benefits local communities.

So next time you're choosing where to get your coffee, think beyond the caffeine hit.

Choose the cup that supports: