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Comparison of specialty and commercial coffee

June 22, 2025
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Comparison of specialty and commercial coffee

When it comes to coffee, two main categories dominate the market: specialty and commercial coffee. But what differentiates them? Let's delve into the world of coffee to understand the key differences between these two types.

What is specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is a term for coffee sourced from specific regions, focusing on quality and unique flavor profiles. These beans are often grown at higher altitudes, which contributes to their distinctive flavor profile. Specialty coffee is typically roasted in small batches to highlight the subtle nuances of each bean.

What is commercial coffee?

Commercial coffee, on the other hand, is produced in large quantities and often blends beans from different regions to ensure a consistent flavor profile. These beans are usually roasted in large quantities and are widely available in supermarkets and most coffee chains. Commercial coffee includes virtually all of the well-known Italian brands that dominated the market until a decade ago.

Quality and taste

Specialty coffee is known for its exceptional quality and diverse flavor profiles. Each cup of specialty coffee offers a unique taste experience with notes of fruit, chocolate, or floral undertones. While convenient and consistent, commercial coffee often lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that distinguishes specialty beans.

Sustainability and ethics

Specialty coffee often places a high priority on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. Many specialty roasters work directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and environmentally friendly farming practices. While commercial coffee is making progress in sustainability, it doesn't always implement these priorities to the same extent.

Pricing

Due to the higher quality and specialized sourcing, specialty coffee is typically more expensive than commercial coffee. The added cost reflects the care and attention to detail that goes into producing specialty beans. At Zoomserie, however, there are no additional costs for our coffees. You can enjoy authentic specialty coffee without breaking the bank!

Why choose specialty coffee?

If you want to take your coffee experience to a new level and enjoy unique flavors, specialty coffee is the perfect choice. The variety of flavors, ethical sourcing practices, and high quality make specialty coffee the first choice for coffee lovers.

Experience the real specialty coffee experience at Zoomserie Vienna.

For the taste of specialty coffee at its finest, look no further than our Zoomserie Specialty Grade coffee. Sourced from the highland regions of Brazil, this coffee offers a rich, velvety flavor with hints of raisins, caramel, and hazelnut.