Coffee consumption has seen a true renaissance during the 20th century. It’s among the most consumed beverages in the US. From the classic American drip coffee to various mixes and ready-to-drink coffee beverages, there are dozens of different options on the caffeine market. Most coffee shops across the country offer specialty coffee that has some of the highest qualities in terms of aroma, flavor, and body. In this post, we’ll share more about the coffee sector in Virginia. We’ll also shed some light on the top Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters that specialize in B2B sales of coffee products.
Key takeaway: There are multiple coffee shops across the state of Virginia. Many of them are located near the coastal areas. Most coffee wholesale distributors are located in Richmond or Virginia Beach. They supply grocery stores, hospitality businesses, and other companies with quality coffee products and other goods needed by baristas.
Coffee Culture in Virginia
Like most people in the US, residents of Virginia love coffee. When it comes to coastal areas like Virginia Beach, coffee consumption is affected by the strong tourism sector. The coastal regions attract millions of visitors every year and that can have a positive impact on coffee shops and local roasters. That means there’s big seasonality in the coffee sector in Virginia Beach. In fact, the consumer price index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in December 2022 showed that Virginia Beach has one of the highest prices for coffee in the country.
Popular Coffee Beverages & Coffee Trends in Virginia
Just like other places in America, sustainable coffee is a major trend. An increasing number of consumers and businesses that purchase bulk coffee beans look for products that are sourced organically. Fairtrade coffee has also risen as a popular trend. This indicated that the products were grown by fair trade standards such as sustainable farming practices, no usage of forced labor, and other practices.
Although the number of large chains has increased in recent years, another trend that has been emerging is that a growing number of coffee enthusiasts purchase their coffee beans or drinks from small and local Richmond coffee roasters. Independent coffee shops are often focused on D2C sales. As such, they offer a diverse range of coffee grades from many regions of the coffee world.
When it comes to popular coffee beverages, Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters are not so different from the rest of the country. The main difference is that there’s a distinct seasonality and the demand for cold coffee drinks rises more during summer months. Here are the most popular coffee beverages.
- Cappuccino;
- Latte;
- Espresso;
- Americano;
- Cold brew;
- Iced coffee;
- Nitro coffee;
- Macchiato;
- Various types of ready-to-drink coffee beverages;
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Virginia and Richmond Coffee Roasters
In addition to Virginia Beach and Richmond coffee roasters, broadline distributors also offer wholesale coffee beans. Many businesses prefer to work with these large suppliers that can offer products in multiple categories. However, they can rarely help with services like barista training or equipment maintenance. Therefore, if you’re looking for a combination of quality coffee and expertise in the field, make sure to partner with some of the best coffee roasters in the US. Here are a few examples of Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters
In addition to the diverse selection of coffee blends and single-origin products, Ironclad Coffee Roasters also offers pastries for businesses in the hospitality industry. The company also offers consultations regarding starting a coffee business, roasting, cafe design, and various other topics. Ironclad Coffee Roasters operates three cafe locations across Virginia and partners with multiple businesses in the retail and restaurant industry that look for quality coffee at wholesale prices.
Known for: Their commitment to the highest standard of customer care.
Carytown Coffee
From tea and coffee brewing equipment to cleaning supplies for businesses in the coffee niche markets, Carytown Coffee is a reliable supplier you can count on. A major benefit of partnering with this company for your coffee program is the fact that the team can help you with coffee shop training, equipment sales, and various other services. The company also offers private-label coffee and packaging services. Carytown Coffee ships products nationwide.
Known for: Their focus on B2B sales to restaurants, hotels, retailers, hospitality groups, and eCommerce businesses.
Pinup Coffee Co
Restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, office buildings – these are just some of the businesses that rely on Pinup Coffee Co for their coffee needs. The company prides itself on its efforts to be a sustainable supplier in the coffee industry. They also offer monthly coffee subscriptions for individuals.
Known for: The variety of coffee options offered and the company’s focus on helping businesses have successful coffee programs.
Fathom Coffee
Based in Virginia Beach, this coffee roasting company partners with various businesses that wish to offer high-quality coffee drinks. They also offer white labeling services for businesses that wish to sell coffee beans with their own brand.
Known for: Being focused on sustainability, innovation, and creating a deeper coffee experience with each drip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia and Richmond Coffee Roasters
Are you interested in the technology in the coffee industry? Or maybe you wish to increase the sales of your business and want to know more about coffee marketing. Whatever the question is, chances are you will find the answer on our website. There are multiple articles on a variety of topics. Below you will find the answers to common questions regarding Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters.
What Products Do Coffee Distributors Sell?
In their effort to be the one-stop shop for businesses, Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters aim to sell a variety of products. Here are the main subcategories offered by coffee distributors in Virginia.
- Coffee shop equipment and machinery;
- Coffee shop inventory and barista tools;
- Dairy products used by coffee shops, including plant-based milk;
- Ready-to-drink seasonal coffee drinks;
- Sugar, syrups, spices, other sweeteners and condiments.
- Equipment maintenance, barista training, latte art classes, and other services are also offered by coffee distribution companies.
How to Choose a Coffee Supplier in Virginia?
When picking a coffee distributor, one of the main factors to consider is the additional services they offer. Reliable coffee wholesalers don’t simply deliver coffee beans to their clients. Instead, they support their customers’ coffee programs with regular training and equipment maintenance. Let’s examine some additional factors to consider when choosing a Richmond coffee roaster.
- Variety of coffee options – although some businesses offer only one type of coffee, diversity in coffee options is important for others;
- Reliability and flexibility – picking suppliers means choosing a business partner you can rely on. They should be on-point with their deliveries and also offer flexible options like low minimum order quantities (MOQ);
- Implementation of technologies – businesses prefer to find suppliers that offer automation solutions for wholesale ordering.
Can You Start a Coffee Business from Home?
Yes. You can start a coffee dropshipping business or purchase large quantities of quality coffee and sell it to retail customers. In recent years, many coffee distributors have started offering white-labeling services. This allows entrepreneurs to offer products under their own brand. Business owners benefit from the high-profit markups of the "wake-up juice" and the fact that the beverage can be cross-sold with various other products such as coffee equipment and brewing tools, cozy home products, and various other categories that are in high demand in eCommerce stores.
Elevage Your Coffee Distribution Business with BlueCart
Dozens of coffee shops and distributors have benefited from BlueCart’s solutions. With our help, your business can increase B2B sales and automate certain business processes. Whether you operate a Richmond coffee roaster or deliver coffee blends nationwide, schedule a free demo and see why BlueCart is the right choice for your business.