Frequently asked questions
What is Gaia Coffee Co. all about?
After understanding that the coffee industry mainly rests in the hands of importing companies and large corporations, we made it our mission to transfer it back into the hands of hardworking farmers and their families by sharing their story with you.
It is possible to create a system where everyone in benefiting, however the coffee industry will collapse if the farmer cannot sustain themselves. This is why we sacrifice profit so the farmer can succeed right along with us.
What is so special about specialty coffee?
According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), coffee which scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded “specialty.” Specialty coffees are grown in ideal climates, and are distinctive because of their full cup taste with little to no defects.
Do you roast your own coffee?
Yes! Our coffee is craft roasted in small batches in Lewes, Delaware.
What is Direct-Trade?
Direct Trade means that we are purchasing our green coffee directly from the coffee farmers, while cutting out most third parties that would normally take out a high percentage from the farmers profit. We bypass this by working directly with the exporting and importing agencies to get the coffee through customs and into a shipping container. By keeping a close relationship with our farmers we can be certain that the beans pass our high standards, and can also provide the farmer with feedback on how they can improve their plants to increase sales for the following harvest season.
What is my money going towards?
We believe is it important to be as transparent as possible, therefore we have created this diagram to show our customers where their money is going after buying Gaia coffee. Lower priced coffee makes us think about who had to be taken advantage of along the production line to get it to that price point, which is why our goal is to create a company based on equality and fairness for everyone involved.
Why is your coffee not certified (organic, fair-trade)?
Gaia Coffee Co. does not sell Organic or Fair Trade because we have experienced that they do not benefit the average coffee farmer. Though these systems started with good intentions, today they seem to only benefit the organization and coffee companies selling the coffee for marketing purposes.
Generally speaking, small farmers cannot obtain Organic certifications due to extremely high prices (over $10,000) for just the label! This does not even include the pricey transition they must make to simply qualify for the certification. This is why we stay away from labels and have requirements involving the use of natural fertilizer, no pesticides and proper disposal of wastewater.
A main priority for us when selecting coffee is witnessing the coffee pickers and other workers being treated fair with kindness. Did you know direct trade is a step ABOVE fair trade? So setting our own standards for direct trade with the farmer provides complete knowledge of where the beans are coming from, something that certifications cannot necessarily provide.
How do you roast your beans?
Our beans are craft roasted slowly in small batches to ensure a beautiful, consistent roast every time. We roast towards the lighter end of the spectrum in order to highlight the beans naturally occurring flavors that you will be able to smell as soon as you open the bag.
These beans taste so great that you won't even need milk & sugar!
Are all of your coffees roasted differently?
Yes, we take the time to develop a unique roasting profile for every coffee we sell so they all may unfold to their own highest potential.
Do you sell decaf coffee?
Not yet!
What do the flavor notes mean?
These notes describe the naturally occurring flavors in each individual coffee. The land it’s grown on, plant variety, harvesting time, processing, drying method, storage and roasting all contribute to these flavors.
We roast our coffee towards the lighter side of the spectrum to enhance those naturally accuring elegant notes, because why would you want to burn those out?!
How should I store my coffee beans?
The biggest enemies to your beans are oxygen, light, moisture and heat.
We suggest storing your beans in the provided coffee bag within an air-tight container for maximum freshness.
Keep your roasted coffee in a cool, dark location for further protection.
How is your coffee packaged?
We do our best to choose the most earth friendly products we can find, which is why our coffee is packaged in compostable and bio-degradable bags that protect the beans the same way plastic/foil laminate material would. All shipping materials are recyclable as well.
All orders placed of one or two bags will be packaged in a beautiful gift box, perfect for a gift. You can also send freshly roasted coffee directly to your loved ones of holidays and birthdays and we will add a customized noted for you.
How many cups of coffee can I make with one 12oz bag?
Approximately 34 cups, depending on the strength and brewing method you prefer.
That means you can drink premium specialty coffee right from home for under $1.00 per cup!
What countires do you ship to?
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE! However, we currently only accept payments through our gateway from the United States.
If you would like to purchase our coffee from outside of the US, please email contact@gaiacoffeeco.com with your order and shipping address and we will send you a personal invoice. Thank you for your business!
What is your shipping policy?
Delivery will take 1-3 business days after your order is shipped through USPS Priority Mail.
As we always roast fresh, orders are shipped on a weekly basis (but often sooner).
What is your return policy?
Our goal is to provide our customers with amazing service and delicious coffee. We want you to be happy! After you have received your order, if you are dissatisfied the roasted beans, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us about about a return or exchange within 30 days of purchase by emailing us at contact@gaiacoffeeco.com
Do you cater private events?
Yes! Invite Gaia Coffee Co. to your next wedding, party or event.
Learn more here.
Can you roast for my coffee shop, restaurant, or local business?
We are in the process of expanding! Learn more here.
What is the meaning of "Gaia?"
Gaia (/ˈɡeɪə, ˈɡaɪə/) is the personification of Mother Earth and one of the Greek primordial deities.
