Which team is responsible for negotiating contracts and managing quality samples for coffee?

The Starbucks Coffee Trading Company (SCTC) plays a crucial role in the procurement of coffee beans, which involves negotiating contracts with coffee producers and suppliers. This team is specifically focused on ensuring that Starbucks sources high-quality coffee while maintaining strong relationships with the farmers and cooperatives they work with. By managing quality samples, the SCTC can assess the flavor profiles and overall quality of the coffee to ensure that it meets Starbucks’ standards before it is purchased.

In contrast, the Green Coffee Quality (GCQ) team focuses more on the quality assessment of green coffee through various testing methods, rather than negotiating contracts. The Farmer Support Center (FSC) is primarily dedicated to providing support and resources to farmers, enhancing their growing practices and sustainability efforts, without directly handling purchasing or contract negotiations. The C.A.F.E. standards team works to uphold ethical sourcing guidelines and sustainable practices, but their focus is not on the direct contracting aspect of coffee procurement.