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Traceability from lot to tank

This topic explains how traceability is maintained during wet processing, from cherry reception through fermentation tanks, ensuring transparency, quality control, and market value.

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  • Coffee Basics Nerds
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Article 11 of 12 in Wet Processing (Washed) Details/
Traceability from lot to tank

What is Traceability?

  • Traceability is the ability to track coffee from farm lot to final export batch.
  • Ensures buyers know the exact origin, processing method, and quality of each lot.

Steps in Lot-to-Tank Traceability

1. Lot Identification at Reception

  • Each delivery of cherries recorded by farmer name, plot, variety, and date.
  • Lots tagged with codes for separation.

2. Sorting and Weight Recording

  • Defective cherries removed.
  • Weight documented for production and yield tracking.

3. Tank Assignment

  • Each fermentation tank marked with lot codes.
  • Lots kept separate by variety, farm, or quality level.
  • Avoids mixing different quality levels.

4. Process Monitoring Records

  • Fermentation time, temperature, and pH logged for each lot.
  • Washing, soaking, and drying tracked separately.

5. Drying and Storage Segregation

  • Parchment coffee stored in clearly labeled sections.
  • Bags marked with lot and tank identifiers.

6. Cupping and Quality Assessment

  • Samples from each lot cupped and linked to processing records.
  • Quality scores documented for traceability reports.

Benefits of Traceability

  • Quality assurance: Farmers and buyers can link specific practices to outcomes.
  • Transparency: Builds trust with specialty buyers seeking origin details.
  • Market value: Verified traceability allows higher prices in direct trade.
  • Problem-solving: If defects occur, source can be identified and corrected.

Tools for Traceability

  • Paper logbooks, spreadsheets, or mobile farm apps.
  • Barcoding or QR-code systems for digital traceability.
  • Exporter or cooperative databases for multi-farm integration.

Challenges

  • Labor-intensive, especially for smallholders.
  • Risk of mislabeling during busy harvest.
  • Requires training and discipline across the supply chain.

Lasting Importance

Traceability from lot to tank is a cornerstone of modern specialty coffee. By maintaining clear records and separation throughout processing, farmers and mills ensure accountability, consistency, and higher market recognition.

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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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