How to Buy Green Coffee from Nicaragua: A Buyer's Guide

In short. Buying green coffee from Nicaragua usually goes: request samples → cup and approve → agree price and incoterms → contract (spot or forward) → ship. Harvest is November to March, so plan forward contracts around it. Buying direct from a producer like Sabio gets you farm-level traceability and quality-based pricing.

How do you buy green coffee from Nicaragua?

The typical path, start to finish:

1. Request samples of the lots that fit your profile.
2. Cup and approve against your target — you're buying on the cup, not the description.
3. Agree price and incoterms (FOB, FCA, etc.).
4. Contract — spot for lots on hand, or forward-book new-crop coffee.
5. Ship from origin to your warehouse.

What order sizes can you buy?

From a single microlot up to full-container volumes. We work with roasters buying one lot and importers contracting containers alike — tell us your target volume and we'll match it to the lots available. See current offerings.

How do samples work?

Request a sample of any current lot and Sabio replies within two business days. Each ships with cupping notes and full processing data, so you can evaluate before you commit. Request samples.

What incoterms and logistics are involved?

Green coffee is usually sold FOB (loaded at the origin port) or FCA, with the buyer arranging ocean freight, or on delivered terms where the seller quotes landed cost. Tell us your destination and we'll walk through the options for your shipment. Contact us.

What's the harvest and shipping timeline?

Harvest runs November to March. New-crop lots are cupped and released after milling and resting, and availability varies by season and stock. If you need coffee locked in for a specific window, forward-contract against the coming harvest rather than waiting for spot.

How do you vet a Nicaraguan green coffee supplier?

Look for:

• Traceability to the farm and lot, not just the region or co-op.
• Processing control — who milled and dried it, and how consistently.
• Documented quality — an SCA cup score and processing data per lot.
• A direct line to the producer for feedback and re-orders.
• Certifications if they matter to your program (e.g. Rainforest Alliance).

Sourcing from Sabio Coffee

Sabio is a third-generation producer with six farms and in-house processing from cherry to export — so you get farm-level traceability, a cup score on every lot, and a direct contact for next season. Browse current lots, request a sample, or ask about volume.