Our Story
As master blenders, we understand the need to focus on the farmers as well as a superior bean. This approach allows us to deliver consistent quality, the best blends, and rich flavor, year after year.
Sampling: Before we purchase, we take samples from select growers and test for freshness, optimum roasting profile, and finally taste. We evaluate at every stage, ensuring quality and consistency.
Cupping: Our experienced cuppers and Licensed Q Graders have over 60 years of combined experience in sensory evaluation of coffee: we follow SCA Standards and Protocols to objectively rate every green lot, batch roast, and cup to exacting standards.
Purchasing: Once coffee samples are approved, the coffee is purchased and shipped to our facility in Los Angeles.
Delivery to our facility: Upon arrival, the green coffee is inspected and sampled (sample roasts and cupping) and after approval, it is stored in our climate-controlled warehouse until it's roasted.
Roasting: Apffels roasts in a modern, state-of-the-art facility that was designed by our coffee experts and their century of experience. Artisan craftsmanship and modern, computerized technology ensure that each roast delivers the quality and consistency of the most flavorful coffees in the world.
Quality Control: Apffels quality assurance lab is filled with equipment for measuring everything regarding the production of coffee – from moisture content, to roast color, to measuring oxygen levels in our packaging; all to ensure quality in every cup.
Packaging: Directly from roasting, the beans are sent through air-tight conveyor tubes to the automated packaging equipment. The coffee is nitrogen flushed as it is packaged and sealed – which maintains freshness until opened. We can produce fractional and valve bag packages from one ounce to five pounds.
Cupping (again): After the coffee is packed and ready for shipment, it's cupped again. Our final check before it's shipped to customers.
Experience the service, enjoy the quality:
We realize if you need customer service, you’re probably struggling with something, and that’s the last thing we both want. It is in our culture to find solutions.
- Speed: A hallmark of our customer service program is how quickly we respond to your needs. We may not have an immediate answer, but you’ll know where we stand on the issue.
- Accuracy: Apffels invests in continuous staff education, honing our soft skills, like active listening and empathy.
- Clarity: It’s about having the knack for making the complex, easy to understand. Accuracy is the “what.” Clarity is the “how.”
- Transparency: Understanding what is happening is the “why.” We understand the importance of sharing with you the reason why. Sometimes we share too much information, but it’s important to us that you know the “why” in the process.
- Accessibility: If you have a problem, it’s the worst to not be able to get in touch with someone. Funny thing, we know that even though this is an enormous industry, it is really a small world and Apffel’s reputation of accessibility is important to us. We are here when you need us.
- Empowerment: Let us know your needs. We will move heaven and earth to support you.
- Friendliness: It’s the human side of the equation, where our one-to-one support, really shines through. Don’t be surprised if you hear, “Hey, I know you, how have you been?”
- Efficiency: We might say, our investment in technology really helps with efficiency.
It's our goal to exceed customers' expectations — every chance we get.