Delivering moments that matter – World Coffee Day

Every morning, millions of hands reach for the familiar comfort of coffee. But before it warms your cup, coffee begins its journey thousands of miles away, carried across oceans and borders by intricate supply chains. It is a story of beans transformed into moments that matter.

From harvest to harbour

Coffee is among the most traded commodities in the world. The top three exporters, Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia, ship millions of tonnes each year. From Brazil’s vast plantations, Vietnam’s highland farms and Colombia’s mountain slopes, beans are harvested, processed, packed and prepared for export.

Vietnam is among the largest exporters of robusta coffee globally, with robusta making up almost all its output. These beans, prized for their strength and caffeine content, are shipped from the Central Highlands to ports such as Ho Chi Minh City and then on to markets around the globe. 

Getting coffee from farm to consumer requires both careful preparation and efficient transport. Beans are packed in jute bags, hermetic liners or vacuum-sealed packaging to guard against moisture and pests, then stacked on pallets and loaded into 20-foot containers, chosen for their handling efficiency. To preserve quality over long journeys, containers may include humidity-control devices, liners or ventilation systems that regulate airflow and prevent mould. While handling is not overly complex, containers must always be clean, dry and free from odours or residues to protect the beans. From trucks in Buon Ma Thuot to ports in Hamburg, every step is designed to keep flavour intact throughout the journey.

More than a sip

Yet coffee is more than a beverage. It is a bridge between people, cultures and conversations. In Italy, a quick espresso marks the rhythm of the day. In Sweden, fika brings colleagues and friends together. In Turkey, thick, unfiltered coffee served in small cups carries centuries of tradition, often read in the patterns it leaves behind. And in Vietnam, when someone asks, “Shall we grab a coffee?”, it is often an invitation to share, confide or discuss something heartfelt.

Aroma of identity

Vietnam’s coffee culture reflects both its creativity and its unique agricultural base. Unlike many countries that cultivate mainly arabica, Vietnam’s geography and climate favour robusta beans, known for their stronger, more bitter flavour and higher caffeine content. This has shaped distinctive ways of preparing and enjoying coffee:

• Drip coffee: Brewed slowly through a small metal filter, drip coffee is often enjoyed over ice with condensed milk, creating the famous “ca phe sua da”.
• Egg coffee (Hanoi): Strong coffee topped with a frothy, sweet layer of whipped egg yolk, sugar and condensed milk, creating a silky indulge.

• Salt coffee (Hue): A blend of rich coffee with a touch of salted cream, balancing bitterness with savoury sweetness.
• Coconut coffee (Ho Chi Minh City): A refreshing mix of iced coffee and coconut milk, smooth and tropical.

Behind every brew

Behind each recipe, each gathering and each sip is a network of logistics making it possible. Every container delivered on time, every supply chain carefully orchestrated, ensures that coffee keeps flowing from farmer to friend, from harvest to heart.

At Kuehne+Nagel, we are proud to play a part in this journey. Because delivering coffee is not just about moving goods. It is about delivering moments that matter.