Forward Booking: Reserve Tomorrow's Coffee Today
The best lots do not wait for you to be ready. Forward booking lets you claim them before they even leave the farm.
Forward booking means committing to a coffee while it is still in production or awaiting shipment from origin, before it arrives in the warehouse. It is about securing the producers, regions, and profiles you care about most, rather than hoping they are still available when the harvest lands.
Every forward booking is tailored to your specific needs — the volume you require, the pricing that works for your business, and a delivery schedule built around your roastery rather than our logistics. You lock in stable pricing through the harvest year with no surprises, so instead of watching the spot market and reacting, you can focus on what you do best: making the perfect coffee.
What is forward booking?
Forward booking is an advance purchase agreement for green coffee that has not yet arrived at destination. The coffee may still be in production, resting after processing, or in transit from origin. By committing ahead of arrival, you reserve a defined lot before it becomes available to a wider market.
This is common practice in the green coffee trade because the best small lots and highest scoring coffees are limited by nature. If you wait until they are sitting in a warehouse, they are often already gone.
Why forward book with Orange Brown
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Secure the coffee you actually want.
If you have a favourite producer, region, or profile, forward booking is how you make sure it ends up in your roastery instead of someone else's.
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Plan your calendar with confidence.
Forward booking lets you map your roasting and menu plans around coffee you already know is coming, rather than reacting to whatever happens to be available when you need it.
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Get in early on standout harvests.
Some of the most interesting lots we come across, a new microlot, an experimental process, a small batch from a producer we are excited about, are only available through forward booking before general release.
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Work with a team that knows the coffee, not just the paperwork
Because we do not publish an open forward list, every booking conversation starts with our team understanding what you are looking for and matching you to lots that are worth reserving, not just what happens to be on offer.
How forward booking works at Orange Brown
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1. Tell us what you are looking for.
Region, process, flavor profile, volume, and timing all help us find the right match.
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2. We share relevant upcoming lots.
Rather than sending a full list, we point you toward harvests and producers that fit what you have described.
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3. You review available details.
Depending on timing, this may include producer information, expected profile, processing method, and estimated arrival window.
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4. You confirm your booking.
Our team will walk you through the commitment terms, expected timeline, and next steps so you know exactly what to expect.
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5. We keep you updated.
From harvest to milling to shipment, we will keep you informed on where your coffee is in the process.
How to request forward booking availability
The best way to start is a direct conversation with our team. Here is how:
Email us at info@orangebrownimports.com with the regions, producers, or profiles you are interested in, and any volume or timing requirements.
Call us at (647) 297-1333 to talk through upcoming harvests and booking terms directly.
Fill out our contact form and let us know what you are hoping to plan around. We will follow up with relevant opportunities as they come available.
Contact us about forward booking →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between forward booking and spot coffee?
Forward booking reserves coffee before it arrives in warehouse, while it is still at origin. Spot coffee is already in warehouse and ready to ship immediately. If you are planning ahead for a future season, forward booking is the better fit. If you need coffee now, spot is the answer.
How far in advance can I forward book coffee?
Timing depends on the origin and harvest calendar. Some lots can be booked months before arrival. Reach out to our team and we can walk you through the current timeline for the regions or producers you are interested in.
Do I have to pay in full to forward book?
Commitment terms vary by lot and are confirmed directly with our team before you book. We will walk you through exactly what is expected before you commit to anything.
Can I request a sample before forward booking?
In many cases, yes, particularly when a sample from the current or prior harvest is available. Ask our team when you reach out and we will let you know what is possible for the specific lot you are considering.