Spray-dried, agglomerated and freeze-dried coffee.

Valora discusses spray-dried soluble powder, agglomerated granules and freeze-dried coffee. State the format you need rather than using “instant coffee” alone. If you are matching an existing product, describe its formulation and powder or granule specification.

Explain whether the coffee is for food service, bulk ingredient use or your own brand. Include the preparation method, desired formulation, intended pack and approximate quantity. Discuss bulk density, solubility, moisture and other specification requirements where relevant to your application.

Assess samples using the recipe and preparation method relevant to your product. Confirm whether you need pure coffee, a coffee–chicory formulation or another specified preparation. Sample arrangements, minimum quantities and packing options are confirmed for the enquiry.

The format name narrows the discussion but does not decide the product. Two offers described as agglomerated coffee may still differ in formulation, granule specification, packing and intended application. Ask for the proposed product’s specification rather than choosing from a photograph of granules.

Valora discusses these three formats for bulk and private-label requirements. This range statement does not confirm that every formulation or pack is currently available. The enquiry should identify the format you want to compare and the details needed to confirm its suitability.

For hospitality, explain how drinks will be prepared, the recipe used in service and the pack sizes your operation can handle. Evaluate the proposed sample through that preparation. A product selected for a service beverage should be compared in that beverage, rather than only by dry appearance.

For ingredient use, describe the intended application and provide an existing specification where available. Include the formulation you require, the soluble format and the attributes that need to be reviewed, such as bulk density, solubility and moisture. Ask which supporting product information is available; do not assume a general soluble-coffee description proves suitability for your formulation.

For private label, add the proposed retail pack, net quantity, number of packs, artwork status and destination. Packaging and coffee selection are part of the same project. Confirm whether the chosen product can be discussed for that pack before treating a mock-up or target launch date as a production plan.

Keep the preparation method, recipe and application consistent while comparing samples. Record the sample identity, formulation and format with the result. If your existing product uses coffee and chicory, make that proportion explicit; otherwise a sample of pure coffee is a different comparison.

Write down which part of the brief the sample supports and which part needs clarification. A successful beverage trial does not settle available quantity, minimum quantities or packing feasibility. Confirm those with the proposed supply before proceeding.

When the exact soluble specification is not yet decided, describe the end use and mark the open questions. This is more useful than asking for a “premium instant coffee” without an application, quantity or packing brief.

• Coffee formats
• Coffee sourcing checklist