Ember "Skull Coffee Pot" Sticker

By Matt BerryLet me tell you a story about a shift you might not have noticed—but one you’ve almost certainly tasted. A few weeks ago, I found myself in a cozy little café tucked into a bustling corner of Denver. It was one of those charming spots with mismatched chairs, exposed brick walls, and the faint hum of indie music playing overhead. The air smelled like freshly ground beans, and the soft whir of an espresso machine provided the soundtrack. I was waiting for my flat white, watching the world around me. The tables were packed. College students with laptops were cramming for finals, remote workers were typing furiously, and a retired couple sat in the corner, sipping cappuccinos while passionately debating the merits of oat milk versus almond milk. It felt alive—buzzy and warm, like the first sip of coffee on a crisp fall morning. But then something caught my eye. I glanced at the drink board above the counter, and that’s when it hit me. There wasn’t a single mention of “regular coffee.” Not one. Instead, the chalkboard was a lineup of pour overs, cold brews, macchiatos, nitros, and a dozen other specialty drinks I’d need a barista to explain. It wasn’t just a menu—it was a statement. That’s when I realized: something had shifted. Specialty coffee wasn’t the niche option anymore. It wasn’t the quirky alternative for coffee geeks. It had become the main event. People didn’t just want coffee; they wanted an experience, a story in a cup. And as I sat there, sipping my perfectly steamed flat white and soaking in the energy of the café, I knew this wasn’t just a passing trend. This was a movement. Something fundamental had changed about how we drink coffee—and the data is starting to prove it. Specialty coffee is no longer the "other option." It's the norm, reshaping the way people connect, consume, and caffeinate. The question now isn’t whether this shift is happening—it’s how far it will go. A Shift in the Coffee Landscape The tipping point has arrived: specialty coffee now surpasses traditional coffee in daily consumption across the U.S., according to the National Coffee Association’s 2025 Specialty Coffee Report. For the first time, 46% of American adults reported drinking specialty coffee yesterday, edging out the 42% who opted for traditional drip or diner-style coffee. Think about it: in a country once synonymous with bottomless diner mugs and quick gas station coffee, more people are now choosing lattes, cold brews, espressos, and locally roasted coffee. From third-wave coffee shops to brewing at home with pour-overs and French presses, specialty coffee has reshaped how Americans enjoy their daily cup. This isn’t just a passing trend—it represents an 84% surge in specialty coffee consumption since 2011, when only 25% of Americans preferred it. In just over a decade, what started as a niche for coffee enthusiasts has become the new standard for nearly half the adult population. Whether it’s the draw of intricate flavor profiles, ethically sourced beans, or the desire for a more elevated experience, specialty coffee has cemented its place in American culture. So, What Exactly is Specialty Coffee? Specialty coffee is more than a drink—it’s an experience. It includes espresso favorites like lattes and cappuccinos, the smooth richness of cold brew and nitro, and premium drip coffee made with high-quality, carefully sourced beans. It’s coffee crafted with care and innovation, focusing on quality at every step. But it’s not just about what’s in your cup—it’s about the journey. It begins with farmers growing beans on sustainable farms, continues with roasters unlocking unique flavor profiles, and ends with baristas perfecting each pour. In Minnesota, local coffee roasters like Ember Coffee in Big Lake bring this craft to life, offering fresh, high-quality beans and a deep connection to the community. From coffee roasters near Minneapolis to cozy Minnesota coffee shops, specialty coffee is all about connecting people with their perfect cup. Whether you’re sipping a pour-over at a local roastery or enjoying fresh coffee at home, specialty coffee invites you to savor every drop. It’s more than caffeine—it’s a sensory experience worth slowing down for. Looking for the best coffee in Minnesota or fresh, locally roasted coffee near you? Specialty coffee brands like Ember are redefining the coffee culture, one cup at a time. Why the Shift? Let’s Dive In Younger Adults Are Leading the Charge Picture this: a 28-year-old professional walks into a café, scanning the menu for single-origin pour-overs or oat milk lattes. They’re not just looking for caffeine; they’re after an experience—quality beans, crafted with care, and a story behind every cup. This is the reality of younger adults today. According to the report, 64% of people aged 25–39 drank specialty coffee last week, the highest percentage among any age group. These are the same people who grew up seeing Starbucks redefine coffee culture and third-wave cafés bring artisanal brewing into the mainstream. Specialty coffee isn’t just a trend for them; it’s a lifestyle. Interestingly, that number dipped slightly from 66% the previous year, but it’s still a clear sign of what matters to younger generations. They crave **quality, variety, and experience**—something far beyond a standard cup of joe. They want coffee that speaks to them, whether it’s a cold brew infused with lavender or a perfectly crafted cappuccino. The West Is Best (For Now) If you’re looking for the epicenter of specialty coffee, head west. The Western U.S. is still leading the charge, with 58% of adults enjoying specialty coffee last week. It’s no surprise—places like Seattle and Portland have been synonymous with coffee culture for years. From bustling artisanal roasters to cozy corner cafés, the West has long set the standard. But here’s the twist: the rest of the country is catching up. Both the Northeast and South boast 55%, while even the Midwest, once a stronghold for percolators and diner coffee, has climbed to 50%. This steady rise shows that specialty coffee is no longer a coastal luxury—it’s a national obsession. From urban hubs to small-town coffee shops, the taste for high-quality beans is spreading everywhere. Coffee Shops Matter, But Home Brewing Reigns Supreme Imagine the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling a kitchen on a quiet Sunday morning. That’s where most specialty coffee drinkers are enjoying their favorite drinks—at home. In fact, 74% of specialty coffee drinkers make their coffee at home, a sign that brewing culture has gone mainstream. From pour-overs to French presses and AeroPresses, people are mastering the art of café-quality coffee in their own kitchens. That doesn’t mean coffee shops are out of the picture—far from it. 35% of past-day specialty coffee drinkers still got their cup outside the home, keeping cafés buzzing with energy. However, the biggest growth has been in home brewing, fueled by access to high-quality beans, better brewing equipment, and a growing desire for control and customization. Think about it: the third wave of coffee has moved from niche cafés to the average household. It’s no longer just about sipping a flat white in a trendy café; it’s about perfecting your own recipe with freshly ground beans and the right amount of bloom time. Specialty coffee has become personal. Medium Roast Takes the Crown Not long ago, dark roasts were the go-to choice for specialty coffee drinkers. The bold, smoky flavors were a favorite, often masking imperfections in lower-grade beans. But things have changed. Today, medium roast reigns supreme, with 62% of drinkers preferring it—a 35% increase since 2020. Why the shift? Medium roast offers balance. It brings out the unique flavors of high-quality beans, like the floral notes of Ethiopian coffee or the chocolatey tones of Colombian varieties. As coffee lovers refine their palates, they’re leaning toward clarity and complexity over sheer strength. Light roasts are also gaining traction, currently making up 15% of preferences. With more education about coffee and a growing appreciation for its delicate, fruity profiles, light roasts are expected to rise in popularity. The evolution of specialty coffee drinkers is clear—they’re seeking more sophisticated, high-quality options. Coffee as a Wellness Ally Coffee is no longer just a caffeine fix—it’s becoming an integral part of health and wellness routines. In fact, 61% of specialty coffee drinkers believe coffee is good for their health. Beyond antioxidants and mental clarity, the ritual of brewing and sipping coffee offers a meaningful pause in busy lives. Whether it’s a mindful morning pour-over or an afternoon latte with friends, coffee has transitioned from a guilty pleasure to a source of comfort, energy, and wellness. It’s not just about the cup—it’s about the experience, the connection, and how it makes you feel. Brewing Specialty Coffee at Home The way people brew coffee at home is transforming as part of coffee’s third wave, where quality and experience take center stage. Specialty coffee, especially from Minnesota coffee roasters like those near Big Lake and Minneapolis, is influencing how people approach their daily brews. Here’s a breakdown of brewing trends among today’s specialty coffee drinkers: Drip Coffee Makers lead at 36%, offering reliability and simplicity for those who want no-fuss brewing. Single-Cup Brewers (22%) deliver customization and convenience, perfect for busy mornings. Ready-to-Drink Bottles (21%) cater to on-the-go lifestyles, blending premium quality and portability. Cold Brew (20%) continues to grow in popularity for its smooth, refreshing flavor, especially during warmer months. Espresso Machines (15%) show that some enthusiasts are investing in café-quality beverages at home. Instant Coffee (10%) remains a nostalgic classic for simplicity lovers. Minnesota coffee shops and local roasteries are also playing a big role in this movement. High-quality, locally roasted coffee beans have made it easier to enjoy specialty-grade coffee at home. Whether you’re brewing with a drip coffee maker, perfecting a shot of espresso, or experimenting with cold brew, the options are endless. Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an expression of personal taste and a lifestyle. From local roasters near Minneapolis offering fresh coffee to Minnesota coffee shops providing unique experiences, the third wave of coffee is about celebrating quality, no matter how you brew it. If you're in Minnesota, explore local coffee roasters near Big Lake or Minneapolis for some of the best coffee the state has to offer. Whether you're seeking the best coffee in Minnesota or looking for local roasted coffee to elevate your home brewing game, one thing is certain: coffee culture is here to stay, and it’s better than ever. Most Popular Espresso-Based Drinks Espresso-based drinks continue to dominate as the favorites among specialty coffee drinkers. This week, the classic espresso holds its place as the top choice, accounting for 18% of orders. Simple, strong, and timeless, it remains the foundation of nearly every café menu. Close behind, the latte and cappuccino each garnered 17% of the spotlight, proving that the balance of espresso and milk is as beloved as ever. Other favorites, like the Americano at 11% and the chocolate-infused mocha at 10%, reflect how drinkers are seeking variety without straying too far from tradition. Meanwhile, the macchiato (9%) and the creamy flat white (5%) continue to appeal to those who enjoy a more nuanced flavor profile. What’s old is new again—espresso is the backbone of coffee culture, and its versatility keeps it relevant. Top Non-Espresso Specialty Beverages For those who prefer something different, non-espresso drinks are carving out their own space in the coffee world. The rise of cold brew taps into the growing demand for smoother, less acidic flavors, especially among younger coffee lovers. Frozen blended coffee has become a go-to treat during warm afternoons, offering a dessert-like experience in a cup. Meanwhile, nitro coffee, with its creamy, velvety texture and unique draft-style presentation, feels like the future of cool coffee innovations. These drinks are especially popular in hotter climates and among adventurous consumers looking to break free from the traditional espresso framework. As coffee trends evolve, the non-espresso category is poised for even more exciting developments. Whether it’s a chilled brew or a nitrogen-infused surprise, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a great cup of coffee. What This Means for Cafés and Coffee Professionals If you own a café, roast beans, or craft drinks behind the bar, this shift in the coffee world is your green light to take action. Specialty coffee isn’t just the future—it’s already here, and customers are waiting for you to catch up. The coffee landscape is evolving, with consumers demanding more than just a caffeine fix. They’re seeking quality, experience, and connection in every cup. Picture this: a customer walks into your café, scanning the menu for something beyond the standard drip coffee. They’re looking for a story—where the beans came from, how they were roasted, and what makes your brew special. More than ever, people care about what’s in their cup and the craft that brought it to life. Are you ready to meet their expectations? Here’s how you can embrace this shift and thrive in the era of specialty coffee: Highlight your roast levels and origins. Customers are becoming educated coffee drinkers. They want to know if your beans are single-origin from Ethiopia or a blend with tasting notes of chocolate and citrus. Make your offerings transparent and let your story shine through—this is what sets you apart. Invest in variety. While espresso classics like cappuccinos and lattes remain staples, the demand for innovation is growing. Cold brew, nitro coffee, pour-over, and high-quality drip are no longer just trendy—they’re expected. Expanding your menu gives customers the chance to explore and keeps them coming back. Focus on education. Specialty coffee is as much about knowledge as it is about flavor. Train your baristas to share that knowledge confidently and passionately. Teach customers about brewing methods, flavor profiles, and the care that goes into each cup. The more they learn, the more they’ll connect with your brand and trust your expertise. Celebrate the home brewer. With more people taking up coffee brewing at home, now’s the time to support their journey. Offer tools like grinders, pour-over kits, and high-quality beans. Provide brewing tips or host classes to build a sense of community. Being their guide in their coffee journey transforms your café into more than a stop for coffee—it becomes part of their lifestyle. This isn’t just a business about serving drinks anymore. It’s about fostering a culture. Specialty coffee has taken the lead as a movement that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and the stories behind the beans. When you adapt to this shift, you’re not just keeping up with the market—you’re building lasting relationships with customers who value the same things you do. Coffee’s evolving—and so are we.Whether you’re brewing at home, behind the bar, or just starting to explore specialty coffee, we’re here to be part of the journey. For everyday coffee lovers: come taste what intentional coffee can feel like.For home brewers: we share your love for the details—let’s keep learning and experimenting together.For cafés: let’s keep pushing the culture forward, one cup, one conversation at a time. 👉 Explore our coffees | Partner with us | Visit the café – Let’s brew something better, together.

Running a successful café hinges on many factors, but few are as memorable as serving an exceptional cup of coffee.  For many café owners, the idea of roasting their own beans feels like the ultimate expression of their passion for coffee. While the concept is alluring, the reality of roasting is far more complex than it seems. The good news? You don’t need to own a roaster to deliver an outstanding coffee experience. By partnering with a specialty coffee roaster like Ember Coffee Co. in Minnesota, you can elevate the quality of your coffee without the financial and logistical challenges of in-house roasting. Here’s why outsourcing your coffee roasting could be the smartest move for your business. The Roasting Myth Debunked Many café owners dream of roasting their own coffee. It’s often seen as the ultimate hallmark of authenticity—a way to take full control over coffee quality and showcase true craftsmanship. But the reality of roasting is far more complex than it seems, and it’s important to separate perception from reality. Take a closer look at what roasting really involves: Significant Investment: Roasting equipment alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. On top of that, mastering the craft requires extensive time, training, and practice. Operational Strain: Roasting isn’t just a side project—it’s an entirely separate business. Trying to juggle roasting alongside running a café often leads to burnout and a decline in the quality of your core operations. Consistency Challenges: Roasting may seem straightforward, but without years of experience, maintaining consistent quality across batches is incredibly difficult. While roasting may seem like the ultimate badge of credibility, the truth is that consistency is what matters most. Partnering with a trusted roaster can ensure reliable quality while freeing you to focus on what you do best—creating a great café experience for your customers. Sometimes, the most authentic thing you can do is prioritize quality above all else. 1. Consistency is King Icons in the coffee world aren’t born—they’re brewed. Exceptional coffee isn’t just about taste; it’s about trust. Delivering a perfect cup every time turns casual customers into loyal fans. At Ember Coffee Co., we’ve mastered the art of coffee roasting, ensuring every batch is bursting with clarity and unforgettable flavor. Our secret? Advanced air roasting techniques, used by fewer than 1% of roasters. This process eliminates smoky undertones found in traditional drum roasting, allowing each coffee’s unique personality to shine. Think bright, fruity African beans or the rich, comforting depth of South American origins—flavors that demand attention. When you partner with a specialty roaster like us in Minnesota, you can focus on what you do best: serving coffee your customers will rave about. Let us handle the roasting magic, so you can pour perfection into every cup. 2. Coffee is a Brand Statement Coffee plays a crucial role in defining your brand’s identity, especially for cafes and restaurants. It’s more than just another menu item—it’s often the first and last impression your guests have. A single bad cup of coffee can negatively impact their overall experience and perception of your business. Today’s consumers are more discerning than ever, with access to high-quality coffee equipment and beans at home. This means that when they visit your establishment, they expect a superior coffee experience that stands out. At Ember, we understand this demand and work to ensure your coffee meets and exceeds these expectations. Our expertly crafted roast profiles are designed specifically for real-world conditions, ensuring consistent flavor and quality regardless of the brewing method. From a perfectly pulled espresso shot to a smooth batch brew on a busy morning, Ember’s coffee is engineered to deliver exceptional results every time, solidifying your reputation and leaving a lasting impression on your customers. 3. The Art of Air Roasting: A Game-Changer for Coffee Lovers At Ember Coffee Co., we pride ourselves on using state-of-the-art air roasting technology to deliver a superior coffee experience. So, what exactly is air roasting, and why does it matter? Clarity of Flavor: Unlike traditional drum roasting, air roasting prevents the smokiness that can overpower a coffee bean’s natural characteristics. This method allows the true flavor profile of single-origin coffee beans to shine through, delivering a clean, vibrant taste in every cup. Even Roasting for Consistency: Air roasting ensures each coffee bean is roasted evenly, avoiding common issues like bitterness or underdeveloped "baked" flavors often associated with drum roasting. This precision results in a consistent, premium coffee experience every time. Highlighting Bean Origins: With precise temperature control, air roasting preserves and enhances the unique qualities of coffee beans. Whether it’s a bright Ethiopian roast or a bold Colombian, this method respects and amplifies the story behind every origin. For coffee enthusiasts searching for the best coffee brewing experience, air roasting offers a significant edge. From gourmet coffee aficionados to those looking for specialty coffee beans that stand out, our air-roasting process ensures a cup that’s not just good—it’s exceptional. Looking for premium air-roasted coffee? Ember Coffee Co. is your destination for high-quality, expertly roasted beans. 4. DIY Roasting: What You Need to Know Roasting your own coffee beans can seem like an exciting way to control quality and cut costs, but it often comes with significant challenges. For most café owners, the demands of in-house roasting outweigh the benefits. Here's why: Time and Resource Strain: Running a café is already a full-time commitment. Adding roasting operations means diverting resources, energy, and attention away from your core business. Initial Investment: Roasting equipment is expensive, often requiring thousands of dollars upfront. Beyond the equipment, you'll need space, ventilation systems, and specialized training to get started. Consistency Challenges: Roasting is a delicate process that requires constant monitoring, precise control of variables, and rigorous testing to maintain consistent quality. Mistakes during experimentation can lead to wasted beans, higher costs, and even dissatisfied customers. Regulatory Compliance: Depending on your location, roasting may require permits, inspections, and adherence to strict environmental regulations, adding complexity to your operations. While DIY roasting can work for some, for most café owners, it’s more efficient to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional coffee with reliable quality and consistency. At Ember, we specialize in expert roasting so you can focus on creating the perfect experience for your customers. Let us handle the complexities of roasting, and you’ll never have to compromise on quality. 5. Focus on Quality Over Trends Chasing trends might bring quick buzz, but real success comes from staying true to quality and craftsmanship. At Ember, we pride ourselves on responsible sourcing, partnering with trusted farmers who share our commitment to sustainability and excellence. Every bean is carefully selected and roasted with precision to ensure it delivers a balanced, delicious cup that highlights its unique flavors. Our menu is intentionally simple—no over-the-top gimmicks or unnecessary frills. Instead, we focus on what matters most: offering a curated selection of single-origin coffees and seasonal blends that are crafted to impress even the most discerning coffee drinkers. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just starting your coffee journey, we aim to deliver an experience that showcases the art of coffee at its best. 6. Grow Without Compromising Quality As your business scales, maintaining quality often becomes a challenge. This is where Ember Coffee steps in to make growth effortless and sustainable. We offer custom blend options tailored to your needs, inventory forecasting to ensure you’re always stocked, reliable shipping schedules to keep operations running smoothly, and private-label packaging to help you stand out. Whether your business is brewing 20 pounds of coffee per week or scaling up to 200, Ember’s systems are designed to adapt to your growth while keeping the same exceptional quality in every cup. Partner with us and scale with confidence, knowing your coffee program is built for success. 7. Coffee Operations Simplified Running a coffee program is about so much more than just sourcing great beans. It’s about creating seamless systems that maintain quality and efficiency across the board. That means everything from properly training your team, optimizing workflows for speed and consistency, and keeping equipment in peak condition. With our operator-first approach, we go beyond delivering exceptional coffee. We work with you to fine-tune every aspect of your coffee program. From detailed brewing guides and workflow design to troubleshooting equipment and offering expert support, Ember Coffee ensures your operations are smooth, reliable, and built for long-term success. Whatever stage your business is in, we’re here to help you craft a coffee program that excels. A Smarter, Easier Way to Serve Amazing Coffee Serving exceptional coffee at your café doesn’t mean you have to take on the complicated task of roasting. By partnering with a specialty roaster like Ember Coffee Co., you can deliver an unforgettable coffee experience without the hassle. Ready to take your coffee to the next level while focusing on what you do best? 📩 Get in touch with us today to see how teaming up with Ember Coffee can transform your coffee offerings. Great coffee doesn’t mean you have to roast—it just takes the right partner. With consistent quality, expert roasting, and a focus on your customers’ experience, you can create a coffee program that stands out while keeping things simple. Team up with Ember Coffee Co., and let’s help your café and coffee program thrive together.

At Ember Coffee Co., our goal has always been clarity in the cup and consistency in the craft. Based in Central Minnesota, we're a local coffee roaster committed to roasting coffee with heart, intention, and increasing precision. Our Café and Roastery operate with one guiding principle: do better, every batch. For the first few years, that meant relying on trust, paper logs, and what we could hold in our heads and our hands. But as we grew—adding team members, expanding our wholesale relationships, and increasing our volume—it became clear that our roasting operation needed structure. We needed a system to help us document what we were doing, share knowledge, and scale with integrity. That's when we chose Cropster. This blog post isn't a sales pitch. It's a transparent look at how we got here, what led us to adopt Cropster, and what it's unlocked for us as a growing Minnesota coffee roaster using air roasting technology. A Roastery at a Crossroads We started with a solid foundation: a clear vision for how we wanted to roast, a commitment to intentional sourcing, and a focus on delivering a consistent product. But even with all that, the tools we were using started to show their limitations. We were: Logging roasts manually or in disconnected documents Losing time trying to confirm roast consistency or troubleshoot batch issues Keeping track of green coffee inventory through spreadsheets Training new roasters through observation and repetition, without shared data All of this added up to a lot of behind-the-scenes labor that wasn't sustainable as volume increased. "We needed a better way to track what we were doing. We needed to get roast profiles locked in and make sure we were being consistent across the team." — Matt Berry Why Cropster Made Sense for Ember What made Cropster feel like the right choice wasn't just the feature set—it was that it adapted to what we were already doing. It didn't force us to change our roasting style. It let us build structure around it. As an air roasting operation, we already think in terms of heat transfer, airspeed, and timing. Cropster helped translate those variables into language we could all share across the team, with real-time data and historical tracking. "It's been really good just from a documentation standpoint, to be able to go back and reference previous roasts. Especially when we're training new roasters, and we're bringing them into the fold, it's really nice to say, 'Here's a really solid roast of this coffee. Let's take a look at it, let's study it.'" — Matt Berry Real Benefits We've Experienced 1. Better Training for a Growing Team Training is critical. At Ember, we want every roaster to understand the "why" behind what they're doing—not just follow instructions. Before Cropster, training meant watching Matt roast and taking notes. Now, we can walk new team members through a previous profile, explain the thinking behind key stages, and let them interact with data—not just machinery. "Our team's at a point now where other people are roasting. And I need to make sure they can look at previous roasts and ask: 'Okay, what's different about this roast than that roast?' And Cropster makes that really easy." — Matt Berry 2. Repeatability, Not Guesswork Every roast tells a story—and with Cropster, we can read it back. When a customer raves about a specific batch or a wholesale client wants to reorder the same profile, we can go back and match the roast exactly. The variables are right there: development time, temperature curves, turning points, and notes. This matters especially in air roasting, where roast dynamics move fast. Having live curve tracking gives us immediate feedback when something's off—before it gets into the cooling tray. 3. Inventory Visibility Before Cropster, green inventory tracking was a manual task. Now, it's built into our daily rhythm. We know: How much green we have in real time How much we'll need for upcoming orders When to reorder to avoid shortages This reduces stress during peak seasons and makes our sourcing more strategic. "I can just go into Cropster and see how much of that natural Ethiopia we've got left. It's right there, live." — Matt Berry 4. Tighter Communication With roasting, café operations, e-commerce, and wholesale all running in parallel, we needed a central source of truth. Cropster helped us build a system that connects: Production scheduling Roast logging Inventory forecasting Team communication This lets us spend less time rechecking details and more time roasting great coffee. Cropster + Air Roasting = Compatibility For those wondering: yes, Cropster works beautifully with air roasting, and it’s a game-changer for precision-driven roasting methods. Our roasting style relies heavily on precise airflow and fast heat transfer to achieve consistent and high-quality results. Cropster's real-time graphing and logging features make it easy to track every detail of the roast, allowing us to make on-the-fly adjustments or replicate a roast with exact precision. The software doesn’t just accommodate air roasting—it actively supports it with powerful tools like live temperature monitoring, detailed curve comparisons, and roast replay, giving us unparalleled control over the process. Whether you're using a fluid bed or hot-air roasting system, Cropster can help elevate your workflow. It enhances the clarity and control we value, making it easier to fine-tune profiles and experiment with different variables to get the perfect roast. If you’ve been unsure whether Cropster is the right fit for air roasting, we’ve found it to be an essential tool that empowers us to push the boundaries of what’s possible with this style of roasting. Advice to Other Roasters When we started growing as a local coffee roaster—especially one using air roasting—we learned a few key lessons along the way. First, it’s important to start small but track everything early on. You don’t need to activate every tool or feature right away. Begin with the basics like roast logging and inventory tracking, and let your system grow naturally alongside your business. We also found that building a shared language was crucial. Tools like Cropster give your team a common vocabulary for training, quality control, and planning. Embracing this shared language from the beginning made everything run more smoothly. Finally, integrating tools into your daily workflow is essential. Cropster really shines when it becomes second nature. From setting up roast schedules to using it during roasting sessions and reviewing afterward, the more we relied on it, the more valuable it became to our process. These lessons helped us streamline our operations and focus on what matters most—crafting great coffee. Looking Ahead Implementing Cropster didn't change what makes Ember unique—it supported it. As a Central Minnesota coffee roaster committed to craft and community, we believe technology should serve the people behind the process. That's what Cropster has done for us. It's become a tool that helps us focus less on the variables—and more on the coffee itself. We're still learning. We're still adapting. But thanks to tools like Cropster, we're doing it with more clarity, more consistency, and more confidence in every cup. Want to hear more about how we use Cropster day-to-day?Have questions about air roasting or managing a growing roasting team?Drop a comment, share this with a fellow Minnesota coffee roaster, or find us on Instagram @embercoffeeco. Let's keep raising the bar—one well-documented roast at a time.