What is Specialty (and why do I care)? - January 21, 2026

Whether you're a seasoned barista, a cafe regular, or someone just curious about coffee, this class is an invitation to explore and delve deeper into what makes specialty coffee different from the commodity market and why that difference matters on multiple levels of the supply chain.

We begin with the core values that shape Blueprint’s approach to specialty coffee: intentionality, transparency, quality, and care. From there, we’ll follow the journey of coffee from farm to roastery to coffee bar, exploring what makes it “special” at each step and the communities it affects.

You will engage in thoughtful discussions around customer experience, service, the role of the barista and all the steps that need to happen before the coffee that we love even gets to us. This will lead us into a closer look at the economics of coffee—how pricing affects producers, cafes, and workers—and give space for discussion on what a sustainable future in coffee could look like, whether as a career or a consumer choice. We’ll share real-life scenarios from behind the bar and as professionals in the industry. We as a company try to explore these dynamics with understanding, professionalism, and most importantly purpose. You'll also learn how the Specialty Coffee industry is fostering inclusive and respectful environments up and down the supply chain, emphasizing dialogue among customers, producers, and communities, while evolving in response to social, economic, and environmental challenges.

This will lead us into a closer look at the economics of coffee and give space for honest reflection on what a sustainable future in coffee could look like, whether as a career or a consumer choice. This class is about connecting all aspects of the coffee industry and understanding how your role and your choices matter in shaping a more equitable and intentional coffee industry.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Blueprint Coffee