QFC — Quality, Fresh, Cost

What is QFC?

A Standard, Not a Slogan

QFC is the internal quality framework we developed to evaluate every coffee bean before it reaches your cafe. It covers three non-negotiable pillars.

Q

Quality

Every bean is graded against SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) cupping standards. We source only specialty-grade (80+ score) and premium commercial coffees with full traceability.

F

Fresh

We operate a strict roast-to-ship policy. All beans are dispatched within 5 days of roasting and carry a printed roast date. Shelf-life guidance is included with every order.

C

Cost

Premium does not have to mean expensive. Our direct-trade relationships and volume purchasing pass meaningful cost advantages to our clients without cutting corners on quality.

Quality in Detail

How We Define and Verify Quality

Our sourcing team evaluates each origin batch through a structured cupping process following SCA protocols. Only batches scoring 80 points or higher are considered for our product range.

SCA Cupping ProtocolFormal evaluation of fragrance, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, cleanliness, sweetness, and overall impression.
Green Bean InspectionPhysical defect count per 350g sample — primary and secondary defects tracked against SCA green coffee grading standards.
Full TraceabilityFarm name, region, variety, processing method, and harvest year documented for every lot we carry.
Ethical CertificationWhere available, we prioritise Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, and Organic certified origins.

Freshness Protocol

Our Roast-to-Ship Commitment

Stale coffee is bad coffee. Our logistics are built around freshness as a primary constraint, not an afterthought.

Small-Batch Roasting

Beans are roasted in batches sized to order volume, ensuring no pre-roasted stock sits in warehouse for extended periods.

Roast Date Stamping

Every bag carries a printed roast date — not a best-before date. Transparency about when the beans were roasted is non-negotiable.

5-Day Dispatch Limit

We ship all roasted coffee within five business days of roasting. No exceptions. This window allows CO₂ degassing while retaining peak flavour.

Valve-Sealed Packaging

All coffee ships in degassing-valve bags with nitrogen flush to lock in freshness during transit and storage.

Origin Portfolio

Where Our Beans Come From

A curated selection of origins covering the full spectrum of specialty coffee flavour profiles.

Origin	Region	Variety	Process	Flavour Profile	SCA Score
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe	Gedeo Zone	Heirloom	Washed	Jasmine, bergamot, lemon zest	88–90
Colombia Huila	Huila Department	Caturra, Castillo	Washed	Red apple, caramel, almond	86–88
Guatemala Antigua	Sacatepéquez	Bourbon, Catuai	Washed	Dark chocolate, brown sugar, spice	85–87
Brazil Cerrado	Minas Gerais	Yellow Bourbon	Natural	Nuts, milk chocolate, low acidity	83–85
Kenya AA	Kirinyaga	SL28, SL34	Washed	Blackcurrant, tomato, grapefruit	87–89
Sumatra Mandheling	North Sumatra	Typica, Catimor	Wet-Hulled	Cedar, dark fruit, earthy body	82–84

Cost Philosophy

Premium Quality, Honest Pricing

The "C" in QFC is not about being cheap — it is about being fair. We believe access to excellent coffee should not be limited to those who can afford luxury markups.

Our direct-trade purchasing model eliminates unnecessary intermediaries. By buying in volume and working directly with cooperatives and exporters, we offer pricing that reflects the true cost of quality — not the inflated cost of branding.

All prices are listed transparently. There are no hidden fees, no minimum order penalties, and no surprise surcharges on delivery.

Note: cafebuilt does not charge clients for consultancy or sourcing advisory. All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only.

QFC Framework