Still

Real talk: You’ve probably heard the hype—small-batch local roasters are the gold standard. But why? The assumption that they’re inherently better than industrial-scale operations feels almost mythical, especially since coffee isn’t grown locally in most places. Yet the narrative persists, and it’s not just about altruism. There’s real value in the way local roasters operate, even if the beans aren’t sourced from their own farms. The magic lies in the relationships. Big roasters often buy in bulk, which can create a transactional dynamic with farmers. Local roasters, on the other hand, tend to build long-term partnerships. These relationships mean farmers…