1/3 - Bridging the Coffee Chain: How Savor Brands Connects Farmers and Roasters

In today’s coffee industry, relationships matter more than ever. At Savor Brands, we don’t just package coffee—we connect the people behind it. Whether it’s farmers at origin or roasters at the final mile, we’ve made it our mission to bring the entire supply chain together. And through our partnership with the independently-run Pono Collective, we’re turning that mission into real-life impact.

A Bridge, Not a Wall

Coffee is a global product, but for too long, farmers and roasters have lived on opposite sides of the value chain. That’s where Savor Brands steps in. As a packaging partner with deep roots in both ends of the coffee world, we understand the unique challenges of each side—and we’ve built tools, relationships, and systems to help bridge the gap. Our work brings farmers and roasters into alignment—not just in logistics, but in purpose. One shining example of this connection in action is the partnership between Alpen Sierra Coffee and Café L’Étranger in Guatemala. Through a Pono Collective experience, Alpen Sierra founder Christian Waskiewicz was able to build a direct trade relationship with the farmers behind the coffee he now proudly roasts and serves. It’s more than just sourcing—it’s a story of shared values, mutual respect, and coffee that honors both the land and the people who cultivate it. These are the kinds of relationships that transform the supply chain—and we’re humbled to be part of the process.

Meet the Pono Collective

While Savor Brands focuses on packaging, education, and supply chain strategy, the Pono Collective operates as a separate nonprofit initiative focused on immersive connection. Pono invites roasters to origin, where they meet face-to-face with the farmers who grow their coffee. They walk the farms, taste the cherries, share meals, and collaborate in real-time on quality and story. It’s not just about coffee—it’s about shared understanding and long-term trust. And the results speak for themselves. Many of the roasters who’ve participated in Pono Collective experiences have gone on to form direct-trade relationships with those very farmers—transforming how they source, roast, and tell their brand stories back home.

Real Impact, Real Relationships

We’ve seen it happen over and over again: A roaster who’s never been to origin leaves Pono with a new sense of purpose—and a farmer with a new sense of pride. These are the moments that change everything. Not because they’re transactional, but because they’re transformational. And as Savor Brands, we’re proud to support these connections with custom-printed packaging that tells that story from seed to shelf.

Let’s Talk at SCA ~ We are at booth #1231

If you’re attending the Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston, come visit the Savor Brands booth. We’d love to share how we’re continuing to bridge the gap—and how you can be part of the story, too. Because when farmers and roasters work together, the whole industry rises.

Part 2: >> Shared Grounds