Coffee isn’t just a beverage; it's a culture, a way of life, and a shared passion that brings people together. It's the result of hard work and dedication at every step of the supply chain, from the coffee farms to your morning latte.
That’s why it was a no-brainer for Enderly to work with Balzac Brothers to import the coffee we roast and serve. Since the beginning, we’ve partnered with them to bring the highest quality, most ethically sourced coffee possible right here to Charlotte for you to enjoy.
If you’re wondering what the process of getting your beans from field to cup looks like, keep reading, because we’re about to share a story about just how impactful the coffee industry can be.
Balzac Brothers Coffee Importers: A Century of Expertise
Since 1917, Balzac Brothers have scoured the globe in search of the world's finest coffee beans. This isn't just about finding any coffee; it's about sourcing the best of the best.
Balzac Brothers has a long history of nurturing relationships with coffee farms. One of those partnerships is with Fazenda Do Salto – where Enderly sources our Brazilian single origin. This farm boasts not only a prime location for coffee cultivation (arguably one of the coffee capitals of the world!), but also an altitude of 1,250 meters, making it ideal for the production of high-quality Arabica coffee, recognized as one of the most challenging varieties to grow.
Fazenda Do Salto’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is evident in their rainforest certification – a certification that's exceptionally challenging to obtain. It underscores their dedication to preserving not only the quality of coffee but also the environment where it's grown.
The partnership between Balzac Bros and Enderly began almost a decade ago when Tony was referred to them through another roaster. The values of both organizations aligned almost immediately, with a commitment to sourcing high quality coffee from the same farmers year-over-year, making for a more sustainable supply chain for all involved.
The Process of Importing Coffee
The process begins with the machine picking of coffee cherries in Brazil, where the flatter topography simplifies the harvest. However, the real magic happens in the processing of the coffee. Fazenda Do Salto uses a honey process for the coffee Enderly purchases, what some call a semi-wash method, and employs static boxes for drying, ensuring a uniform drying process that is essential for coffee quality.
Once the coffee is processed at the farm and approved by the Importers, it embarks on a journey from Brazil to the U.S. The coffee is shipped to the Charleston port (where Balzac Bros is currently located), and from there, it's meticulously handled to ensure that the beans reach Enderly Coffee's roasting facility in pristine condition. The whole process, from the coffee tree to the roasting facility, takes approximately 1-2 months.
Fazenda Do Salto: The Heart of the Partnership
Fazenda Do Salto, the heart of this incredible partnership, is located in Carmo da Cachoeira, Brazil. The Reis family's century-long commitment to coffee is evident in the exceptional quality of coffee produced at Fazenda Do Salto. They make use of state-of-the-art infrastructure, selective harvests, and precise fermentation processes to ensure their coffee consistently ranks among the best.
Beyond the production of coffee, the Reis family takes the future and security of their employees to heart, offering education and homes to their staff. Remarkably, 85% of the Fazenda Do Salto team were born on the farm, showcasing the deep-rooted love and commitment of this farm.
As you can see, the collaboration between Balzac Brothers and Enderly isn’t just a partnership; it's a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting the communities that make great coffee possible. So, the next time you savor a cup of this exquisite Brazilian coffee, you'll know that you're not just enjoying your morning pick-me-up; you're part of a journey that brings the world's finest beans from a farm in Brazil to your coffee mug, crafted with dedication, precision and a respect for tradition.
