How has the coronavirus impacted the work of our coffee roastery? How are we coping, and what actions were necessary to adapt to the new reality?
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected every sector of the economy. Some have been forced to close their businesses, some are adapting to the new reality, and only a few are seeing growth. The actual, measurable impact on the coffee industry will be known in time, but it is already clear that significant changes are taking place.
One of the industries most affected by the coronavirus is the hospitality sector. With cafes and restaurants operating only for takeaway or delivery, sales have dropped by significant percentages, leading to reductions in staff and orders. Lower demand from cafes and restaurants means less work for coffee roasters, whose primary customers come from the hospitality industry. This ripple effect impacts the entire supply chain, starting from the coffee plantations.
Source: THE STRAITS TIME Trouble brewing for high-end coffee growers amid Covid-19
Coffee roasteries work in a highly organized and planned manner. A roaster knows exactly how long each stage of the coffee bean supply takes, allowing them to plan the production process accordingly. At the start of the pandemic in March, there was concern about the availability of containers for transporting green beans, as many were stuck in China. Questions arose: Will the green beans arrive on time, or do we need to modify them? What quantities will cafes order now? Will people start drinking more coffee at home? We had to move beyond our usual way of thinking and approach the situation with a fresh perspective.
What has changed so far?
Our online store is now processing more orders than ever before. We see many of you becoming home baristas. There's a growing interest in coffee brewing equipment and online training that provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for making the best coffee at home. Coffee subscriptions are also becoming increasingly popular. Retail customers are ordering more coffee in smaller packages, which translates into more work for us. Roastery employees are divided into teams and work in shifts, ensuring they are isolated from each other. This setup is essential in case someone contracts the virus or comes into contact with an infected person. We aim to provide as much support as possible to the cafes and restaurants we work with daily, staying flexible and attentive to our customers’ needs.
How do we see the future at JAVA Coffee?
Nobody knows how long the pandemic will last or how long we will feel its effects. What is certain is that it will continue for at least a few more months. It is, therefore, necessary to adapt to this new reality, break free from old patterns, and seek new solutions.
As the JAVA Team, we are always open to sharing our passion. If you have any questions about coffee in general, we are at your disposal! You can contact us through Instagram or Facebook.
