Quality coffee supplier in London: Why choose Arabica?

When choosing a quality coffee supplier in London, some of the first terms you’ll encounter are Arabica and Robusta. You’ll often see phrases like 100% Arabica coffee or (most commonly) Arabica–Robusta blends. But what do they actually mean, and why does it matter for your business when choosing a coffee bean or coffee supplier in London?

For offices, cafés, restaurants, and hospitality venues, understanding the difference between coffee bean types can help you make better decisions around flavour, consistency, and overall quality.

What is Arabica coffee?

Arabica coffee comes from the Coffea arabica plant and accounts for around 60–70% of the world’s coffee production. It’s widely regarded as the higher-quality coffee species and is commonly used by premium and speciality coffee suppliers.

Arabica beans are grown at higher altitudes, mature more slowly, and develop more complex flavour profiles as a result.

Key characteristics of Arabica coffee include:

• Smooth, balanced flavour

• Subtle acidity

• Notes of chocolate, fruit, caramel, or nuts

• Lower caffeine content than Robusta

  
  

For businesses looking for a quality coffee supplier in London, Arabica coffee is often preferred because it appeals to a wider range of tastes and delivers a more refined drinking experience.

What is Robusta coffee?

Robusta coffee comes from the Coffea canephora plant. It’s easier to grow, more resistant to pests, and contains almost double the caffeine of Arabica.

Because of this, Robusta is often used in:

• Instant coffee

• Budget blends

• High-caffeine or “strong” coffee products

  
  

Key characteristics of Robusta coffee include:

• Stronger, harsher taste

• Increased bitterness

• Earthy or woody flavours

• Higher caffeine content

  
  

While Robusta has its place in certain blends, it can overpower flavour and leave a more bitter or sour aftertaste particularly when used heavily in everyday coffee environments.

100% Arabica vs Arabica–Robusta blends

A 100% Arabica coffee contains only Arabica beans, resulting in a smoother, more consistent flavour profile.

An Arabica–Robusta blend combines the two, often to:

• Reduce cost

• Increase caffeine levels

• Boost crema in espresso

  
  

However, this can come at the expense of balance and drinkability, especially in workplaces or hospitality settings where coffee is consumed daily.

Why many businesses choose 100% Arabica coffee:

• A smoother, more approachable taste

• Higher perceived quality for guests and teams

• Better alignment with premium food and drink offerings

  
  

Why Arabica coffee matters for offices and hospitality

In high-volume environments, coffee quality still matters. Poor coffee can negatively impact guest experience, employee satisfaction, and even brand perception.

Choosing a quality coffee supplier in London that focuses on 100% Arabica coffee helps ensure:

• Consistent taste throughout the day

• Reliable performance in commercial coffee machines

• Fewer complaints about bitterness or harshness

• A more premium experience without unnecessary complexity

  
  

Choosing the right quality coffee supplier in London

Not all coffee suppliers are the same. A reliable quality coffee supplier in London should focus on more than just the beans themselves.

When choosing a supplier, look for:

• Transparent sourcing

• Consistent roasting

• Coffee designed for commercial environments

• Flexible, local delivery

• Support with coffee machines and ongoing service

  
  

Working with a local supplier can also mean faster response times, hands-on support, and a more personal approach, all important for busy businesses.

A batch of 100% single-origin Arabica beans undergoes precise roasting, revealing their rich aroma and flavor profile.

About Global Brew

At Global Brew, we’re a local London-based coffee supplier specialising in quality, 100% Arabica coffee for offices, hospitality venues, and corporate clients. As a trusted quality coffee supplier in London, we focus on consistency, reliability, and flavour, sourcing single-origin Arabica beans and roasting them to perform well in commercial environments.

Alongside our coffee, we offer flexible local delivery, hands-on support, and coffee machine solutions, making it easy for businesses to serve great coffee every day.

Our final thoughts

Arabica coffee isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a clear indicator of quality, balance, and drinkability. While Robusta blends may suit certain applications, 100% Arabica coffee is often the better choice for businesses that care about consistency and experience.

For those searching for a quality coffee supplier in London, understanding these differences is the first step towards better coffee and better results.

Get in touch with The Jar Healthy Vending today to discuss choosing us as your quality coffee supplier in London.