Micro-lot

Coffee lot from a delimited plot, single producer, or specific variety, generally under 30 bags of 60kg. Full traceability and distinctive aromatic profile. Average price 2-5× higher than commodity coffee.

Background & Context

A micro-lot is a small, separately processed and packaged batch of green coffee from a single farm, specific field, or specific day's harvest within a larger farm — distinguished from the farm's general production by exceptional quality, unique varietal genetics, or experimental post-harvest processing. Micro-lots are typically defined by the specialty trade as batches of 10–150 bags (60kg each) of coffee with a documented, traceable origin. The micro-lot concept emerged from the Cup of Excellence movement in the early 2000s: when competition judges found dramatic quality differences between lots from the same farm, it became clear that the traditional practice of blending all production into a single 'farm lot' was hiding quality outliers. A producer might grow three different varieties at two altitude bands — the blend averages out the exceptional lots. Micro-lots allow the best sections to be priced at a premium ($5–50+/lb) while the rest serves the commodity market. For specialty roasters, micro-lot sourcing enables storytelling (specific field, specific picker, specific tree) and quality differentiation. For producers, micro-lots create income stratification — exceptional quality directly translates to higher income rather than being averaged into the bulk.

Practical Use

When buying a micro-lot as a consumer: expect to pay $20–45 per 250g bag retail — the premium reflects the traceability and quality selection involved. Ask the roaster where the lot appears in their SCA scoring data. Micro-lot coffees are typically available in limited quantities (one or two seasons per year) and sell quickly. Subscribe to specialty roasters' newsletters to be notified of micro-lot releases.

Related Terms

Related terms: Direct trade — the sourcing model that most commonly produces micro-lots. Cup of Excellence — the competition that inspired micro-lot thinking. Specialty coffee — the market where micro-lots have value. Coffee grade — micro-lots are typically Grade 1.