Roaster of the Year
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<h1 class="entry-title">Crema magazine crowns "Roaster of the Year"</h1>
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<p><strong>The “Roaster of the Year 2020” is the Supremo Roastery from Unterhaching. Over an extended period of time, it impressed the jury with the quality of its coffees, its customer service, and its sustainable approach to sourcing green coffee.</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img srcset="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_732/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020.jpg 732w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-600x328.jpg 600w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-300x164.jpg 300w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_100/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-100x55.jpg 100w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_24/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-24x13.jpg 24w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_36/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-36x20.jpg 36w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_48/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-48x26.jpg 48w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" data-sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" data-srcset="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_732/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020.jpg 732w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-600x328.jpg 600w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-300x164.jpg 300w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_100/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-100x55.jpg 100w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_24/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-24x13.jpg 24w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_36/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-36x20.jpg 36w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_48/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020-48x26.jpg 48w" class="wp-image-10156 lazyloaded" alt="" data-src="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_732,h_400/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020.jpg" src="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_732,h_400/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-roester-des-jahres-2020.jpg" height="400" width="732"></figure>
<p>As every year, even in these crazy times we went in search of the very best in the country. The decision has been made, and now the “Roaster of the Year” is to be officially crowned and celebrated. As always, the most important criteria were the sourcing of green coffee, the quality of the roasted coffee, the range on offer, and sustainability concepts. The user-friendliness of the online shop, customer service for (online) orders, packaging and delivery speed were also decisive factors. In 2020 the Roaster of the Year trophy moves from North Rhine-Westphalia to Bavaria, to the Supremo roastery.</p>
<p>Some loyal Crema readers may now be asking themselves: “Supremo – haven’t they already…?” Correct, this southern German roastery already convinced us back in 2008, when we named them our very first “Roaster of the Year”. Now, 12 years later, the title returns to Unterhaching. The reason for this first-ever repeat award is not that there weren’t plenty of other outstanding candidates – quite the opposite. Although Supremo is one of the pioneers of German specialty coffee roasting, this family business has never rested on its laurels. On the contrary, they have constantly stepped up their game. So for us, another award felt simply inevitable.</p>
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<a id="familienunternehmen-und-spezialitaetenkaffeeimperium" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#familienunternehmen-und-spezialitaetenkaffeeimperium"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>Family business and specialty coffee empire</h3>
<p>Behind Supremo is the Braune family, who have now been roasting, brewing and selling specialty coffee successfully for 15 years. Managing directors Raphael and his father Bernd are responsible for day-to-day operations. They are supported by Mrs. Braune and the two sisters, as well as the siblings’ partners, who are involved to varying degrees. Alongside them, as the “extended family”, more than 50 employees now share the same vision: to bring out the very best in every bean. From the very beginning, the driving force in the hallowed halls of Supremo has been a passion for coffee, the pursuit of outstanding quality, and the desire to be the perfect host.</p>
<p>Since the end of 2007, the company has been based in its current building, where everything is housed under one roof: the heart of the operation, the roasting room, adjoining retail space, and a café where guests can choose from ten different espresso varieties. In addition, there are two special features that you’ll find in very few roasteries: a lab for quality control and research purposes, and a coffee humidor. Managing director Raphael explains: “The coffee bean is a cherry seed, and it tastes best as long as it is still capable of germination. Together with several research institutions, we analysed the optimal conditions for storing green coffee. The result was our green coffee humidor, which required a considerable investment.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img srcset="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_631/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor.jpg 631w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-600x380.jpg 600w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-300x190.jpg 300w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_100/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-100x63.jpg 100w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_24/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-24x15.jpg 24w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_36/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-36x23.jpg 36w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_48/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-48x30.jpg 48w" sizes="(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px" data-sizes="(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px" data-srcset="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_631/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor.jpg 631w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_600/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-600x380.jpg 600w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-300x190.jpg 300w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_100/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-100x63.jpg 100w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_24/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-24x15.jpg 24w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_36/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-36x23.jpg 36w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_48/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor-48x30.jpg 48w" class="wp-image-10160 lazyloaded" alt="" data-src="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_631,h_400/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor.jpg" src="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_631,h_400/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-humidor.jpg" height="400" width="631"></figure>
<p>Because correct storage is one of the most important factors in shaping quality, this investment was essential. The beans are carefully stored there at around 16 °C and at constant humidity until their time for refinement in the roaster has come.</p>
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<a id="in-sachen-qualitaet-gehen-wir-keine-kompromisse-ein" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#in-sachen-qualitaet-gehen-wir-keine-kompromisse-ein"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>“We don’t make any compromises when it comes to quality!”</h3>
<p>That’s why nothing is left to chance at Supremo. Every step in the process follows highly scientific methods, something that is largely due to senior Braune’s IT background. Roasting takes place in parallel on four machines that are almost constantly running. To ensure the coffee is always fresh, it is typically roasted in many small batches to order. Each coffee receives its own tailored roast profile. During sample roasts, several different profiles are tested and the results are later analysed in the lab, where the colour level is also measured. A sample from every batch is cupped. “Of course, this is extremely time-consuming, but it’s the only way to guarantee consistent quality,” says Raphael. This systematic approach and constant quality control are essential to meeting customers’ expectations for stable quality. “Our goal is to make our customers happy while at the same time showcasing the full diversity of coffee.”</p>
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<a id="from-seed-to-cup" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#from-seed-to-cup"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>From Seed to Cup</h3>
<p>“Green coffee is what makes the real difference,” says Raphael. “If you’re buying on the commodity market, you have little or no influence over quality.” That’s why Supremo has always sourced its beans directly from the farm, without middlemen. “We quickly realised how challenging the concept of ‘direct trade’ really is,” Raphael recalls. Because the Braune family lived in the USA for some years, they were able to take their first steps at coffee trade shows there, for example in Boston. This enabled them to establish contacts with farmers in South America. Their early involvement in the “Cup of Excellence” also helped them connect with coffee growers. The family knows their producers personally and maintains close, almost family-like relationships with them.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img srcset="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze.jpg 300w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_225/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-225x300.jpg 225w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_75/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-75x100.jpg 75w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_18/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-18x24.jpg 18w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_27/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-27x36.jpg 27w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_36/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-36x48.jpg 36w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-srcset="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze.jpg 300w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_225/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-225x300.jpg 225w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_75/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-75x100.jpg 75w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_18/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-18x24.jpg 18w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_27/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-27x36.jpg 27w, https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_36/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze-36x48.jpg 36w" class="wp-image-10158 lazyloaded" alt="" data-src="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300,h_400/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze.jpg" src="https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_300,h_400/https://www.cremagazin.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/supremo-kaffeepflanze.jpg" height="400" width="300"></figure>
<p>As with the Braunes themselves, most of these are family-run farms in which several generations work together and pass their knowledge on to children and grandchildren. For the people of southern Germany, quality is a matter of family honour. By purchasing directly, the producer receives a higher price for their coffee – “not just because coffee farmers are poor, but because we want to reward good work fairly and appropriately,” explains Raphael. “Collaboration on an equal footing is motivating for both sides!” The company’s internal quality competition, the “Microlot Challenge”, honours the best coffees of a given harvest and rewards their producers with prices far above the market level. One current example is “Los Cuarteles”, a Red Catuaí produced by brothers Mario and Freddy from Costa Rica.</p>
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<a id="arabica-expedition-und-cup-of-excellence" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#arabica-expedition-und-cup-of-excellence"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>Arabica Expedition and Cup of Excellence</h3>
<p>The “Arabica Expedition” is another Supremo project that presents some of the best Arabicas in limited editions. Here the many facets of different varieties are highlighted, and the differences created by climate, altitude, soil and processing come clearly to the fore. Supremo also sources “ultra premium coffees” via the “Cup of Excellence”. Each year, an international jury of experts selects the best coffees of a producing country, which are then auctioned via an online platform after the awards ceremony.</p>
<p>Supremo not only purchases many of these top coffees at auction, but has also been a supporting member of the programme since 2011, which provides fantastic support for producers.</p>
<h3>
<a id="fuer-jeden-geschmack-das-richtige-dabei" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#fuer-jeden-geschmack-das-richtige-dabei"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>Something for every taste</h3>
<p>Supremo permanently has more than 100 different coffees in its range. “From the very beginning we’ve built a bridge between 2nd and 3rd wave to offer our customers the best of both coffee cultures – whether it’s a more classic espresso with a beautiful crema or a bright, fruity ‘fruit bomb’. We don’t want to discriminate against any plant,” Raphael explains. That’s why the assortment even includes several 100% Canephora coffees. “Every guest who walks through our door should leave a little happier, enjoy a mini vacation with us, and drink the espresso that suits their taste!”</p>
<p>To avoid losing track in this huge range, customers can turn to the Supremo book. This volume of more than 170 pages serves as catalogue, encyclopaedia, coffee reference, photo album and brew guide all in one. Every coffee offered is described in detail, some including brewing recipes. The insights into the farms, along with beautiful photography, offer a vivid look at the lives of coffee farmers.</p>
<h3>
<a id="die-beste-verpackung-ist-die-die-man-nicht-wegwerfen-muss" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#die-beste-verpackung-ist-die-die-man-nicht-wegwerfen-muss"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>“The best packaging is the kind you don’t have to throw away.”</h3>
<p>This motto is what inspired the Re-Glass project. To avoid single-use packaging waste, customers can purchase a reusable apothecary jar for a one-time starter fee of 5 euros. This sustainable packaging system is particularly advantageous for smaller batches. At present, five different coffees are available in this format.</p>
<h3>
<a id="vorreiterfunktion-und-zukunftsvisionen" class="aal_anchor __mPS2id _mPS2id-t _mPS2id-h" aria-hidden="true" href="https://www.cremagazin.de/roester-des-jahres/#vorreiterfunktion-und-zukunftsvisionen"><svg width="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" version="1.1" height="16" class="aal_svg" aria-hidden="true"><path d="M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></a>Pioneering role and visions for the future</h3>
<p>Supremo began experimenting with new processing methods such as “anaerobic processing” as early as eight years ago. “During the first three years, the results were awful! But we kept at it,” Raphael recalls. Today, anaerobically processed coffee is fully on trend.</p>
<p>The development of the Comandante, one of the leading hand grinders in the specialty coffee world, can also be traced back to Supremo. And we can expect to see many more innovations of this kind in the future: for the past one and a half years, the Braune family has owned its own farm in Costa Rica. Finca Doña Elsa, named after Raphael’s grandmother, serves as a small research institute dedicated to preserving old varieties and optimising workflows. In cooperation with the “Coffee Research Center of Costa Rica”, they have created a varietal garden at 2,000 metres above sea level, using seeds from a seed bank. “Through this project we realised just how complex all of this is. A hugely important factor in guaranteeing quality is truly understanding what you’re working with,” says Raphael.</p>
<p>Over 15 years on the market, Supremo has seen many competitors come and go. “There are very few who have really been around for a long time.” Through expansion in recent years, this family business has been able to further grow its network, win more farmers for long-term partnerships, and purchase ever larger lots instead of just a few bags. The core principles at Supremo remain the same as in the early days: to get the very best out of the bean, to refine every step down to the smallest detail, and to be involved from A to Z – out of love for coffee. “It’s great that people are noticing this – it means it’s working,” says Raphael, delighted with the title of “Roaster of the Year 2020”.</p>
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