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Sampling protocols (offer, pre-ship, landed)

This topic explains the three main sampling stages in coffee trade—offer, pre-shipment, and landed—why each is important, and how they ensure quality and consistency across the supply chain.

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Article 4 of 12 in Green Coffee Logistics & Buying/
Sampling protocols (offer, pre-ship, landed)

Offer Samples

  • Definition: Small samples sent by exporters or producers before a contract is signed.
  • Purpose: Allow buyers to cup and evaluate lots for quality and suitability.
  • Content: Typically 200–300g of green coffee.
  • Use: Helps buyers decide which lots to purchase.

Pre-Shipment (Pre-Ship) Samples

  • Definition: Pulled from the actual lot after milling, before loading into containers.
  • Purpose: Confirm quality, moisture, and defect counts match contract standards.
  • Importance: Last checkpoint in origin country before risk transfers to buyer (in FOB contracts).
  • Tests: Moisture % (10–12), water activity, SCA cupping score, physical grading.

Landed Samples

  • Definition: Samples taken once coffee has arrived in the consuming country.
  • Purpose: Verify that the coffee shipped matches what was contracted and sampled earlier.
  • Use: Final check for buyers to approve lot acceptance, release payment, or raise disputes.
  • Tests: Physical inspection, moisture/a-w recheck, cupping comparison with pre-ship samples.

Why Three Stages?

  • Offer sample: Establishes intent to buy.
  • Pre-ship sample: Confirms contract compliance before risk transfer.
  • Landed sample: Protects buyer from losses due to shipping or storage issues.

Best Practices

  • Keep clear records linking all samples to lot codes.
  • Cup offer, pre-ship, and landed side by side for consistency.
  • Document any discrepancies for dispute resolution.

Market Implications

  • Reliable sampling protocols build trust between producers, exporters, and buyers.
  • Specialty markets demand strict alignment across all three stages.
  • Discrepancies may lead to renegotiation, discounts, or contract rejections.

Lasting Importance

Sampling protocols—offer, pre-ship, and landed—form the quality assurance chain in coffee trade. They protect all parties, ensure transparency, and guarantee that the coffee reaching consumers is consistent with what was promised at origin.

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Coffee Basics Nerds

Written by : Coffee Basics Nerds

Expert coffee historians and brewing enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and techniques behind your perfect cup of coffee.

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