Much time, pride and tradition go into producing specialty coffees. The savory flavor of specialty coffee begins in tropical climates that offer abundant rainfall, brilliant sunshine and fertile soil. Arabica beans, which are grown between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn at high altitudes, are the most flavorful variety of beans.

The average coffee tree bears enough cherries each season to produce only about 1 - 1.5 pounds of roasted coffee each year. A new tree takes 3 - 5 years before producing its first crop.
Coffee producing nations are grouped into four main categories based on their geographical origin:

Africa and Arabia
Coffees from this region can be found on the eastern half of the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula. These coffees are known for their wine like qualities which are alluring and complex with intense berry or floral aromas and exhibit flavors of berries, citrus fruits, cocoa and spice.

Indonesia and Pacific Islands
With rich flavors and full body, these coffees are earthy and smooth, with occasional herbal undertones. Though often called Indonesian coffees, Pacific coffees also include varieties from Papau New Guinea, Sumatra and Hawaii and are often featured as single-origin coffees.

Latin America
The Central and South American regions produce more coffee than any other growing region. Coffees from these regions are light to medium bodied with clean, lively flavors. Known for their distinctive brightness, mellow body and perfect balance, these highly, consistent quality coffees are ideal for blending. Single-origin coffees from this region include coffees from Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico among others.