Inside the World of Coffee Sourcing with Andrew Yu

At the heart of the high-end specialty coffee world lies an intricate web of sourcing, relationships, and market dynamics. During the Dubai Coffee Auction at the DMCC Coffee Center, David Paparelli, co-founder of M-Cultivo, sat down with Andrew Yu, co-founder of Panda Bear Express, to discuss his journey in the coffee industry, sourcing philosophies, and the evolving landscape of specialty coffee.

A Journey into Coffee

Unlike many in the industry, Andrew Yu entered the world of coffee through an unconventional route. A lifelong coffee enthusiast, his journey began with a passion for dark roasts and a desire to provide quality coffee in his bookstore in China during the pandemic. Unable to find suitable offerings, he took matters into his own hands, sourcing high-quality green coffee and developing direct relationships with independent roasters. What started as a necessity soon evolved into a full-fledged business.

Today, Panda Bear Express is a sourcing powerhouse, specializing in Panamanian coffees while exploring other origins such as Colombia, China’s Yunnan region, and Yemen. Andrew credits his entry into the coffee world to a serendipitous purchase of a Panamanian lot from renowned producer Wilford Lamastus, which set him on the path to deeper engagement with high-end specialty coffee.

The Art and Science of Coffee Sourcing

For Andrew, coffee sourcing is both an art and a science. While he seeks out coffee with a ‘wow factor’—characteristics such as floral notes, balanced sweetness, and bright acidity—his process is far more nuanced than simply chasing the highest quality.

“I have a notebook where I track which coffee works for which client,” Andrew explains. “There is no perfect coffee—only great coffee that suits a particular market and palate.”

This approach acknowledges the complexity of consumer preferences and how environmental factors shape coffee appreciation. A coffee enjoyed in London may taste different in Shanghai due to differences in water composition, climate, and cultural influences. His ability to navigate these factors gives him a competitive edge in matching coffees with the right buyers.

Building Relationships with Producers

Beyond the cup quality, Andrew places immense value on relationships with producers. He enjoys working with data-driven farms that maintain consistency year after year, but also recognizes the beauty in working with passionate producers who are deeply connected to their craft.

His sourcing philosophy is built on long-term commitments, transparency, and mutual trust. “There will be ups and downs in business, but open communication and consistency in relationships are key,” he says. This commitment has led him to forge strong partnerships with some of the best producers in Panama, Colombia, and beyond.

The Role of Auctions in Sourcing

Auctions play a crucial role in Andrew’s sourcing strategy, serving as an entry point to discovering new farms and building relationships. While auction volumes remain small in his overall sourcing—about 5–10% of his total purchasing budget—the exposure they provide is invaluable.

“Auction coffees help me find producers I would otherwise never know about,” he shares. “Some of the best farms are run by small teams with limited marketing capacity. Auctions give them visibility, and in turn, give me access to extraordinary coffees.”

Challenges and Misconceptions in Coffee Sourcing

One of the biggest misconceptions about green coffee sourcing, Andrew notes, is the belief that it’s an easy or highly profitable business. “People think green buyers are middlemen adding unnecessary costs, but in reality, we play a crucial role in connecting markets, ensuring consistency, and maintaining relationships,” he explains.

Moreover, the logistics of sourcing are incredibly demanding. Andrew spends months traveling between farms, managing complex negotiations, and cupping thousands of coffees to make informed decisions. The job requires both a deep technical understanding of coffee and a keen awareness of global market trends.

The Future of Specialty Coffee

Looking ahead, Andrew sees exciting developments in the specialty coffee industry. He highlights innovations such as darkroom drying—a controlled drying environment that enhances coffee quality and stability—as one of the most promising advancements. He also notes the rise of home roasting and its potential impact on the broader specialty coffee market.

“The industry is shifting,” he says. “With access to better roasting equipment and logistics, home roasters are becoming more knowledgeable and experimental. This could reshape how specialty coffee is consumed and appreciated.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Andrew remains optimistic about the growth of the specialty coffee community. His work continues to bridge the gap between producers and buyers, ensuring that exceptional coffee reaches those who appreciate it most.

As the conversation wrapped up, David acknowledged Andrew’s invaluable role in the industry: “You’re not just a coffee buyer—you’re an ambassador, a consultant, and a bridge between worlds.”

For Andrew Yu, sourcing coffee isn’t just about business—it’s about relationships, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every cup.

The Dubai Coffee Auction on March 13th

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Join Andrew on The Cupping Table – a podcast by M-Cultivo.

In this episode, recorded at World of Coffee Dubai, shares how a single visit transformed his life, why he puts jazz music on for his coffee, and his mission to make specialty coffee more accessible. From battling weather challenges to breaking into China’s coffee scene, Don Tulio is redefining what it means to be a modern coffee producer. Tune in for a story of passion, persistence, and a vision for the future of coffee.