Follow‑up: This announcement builds on our recent note, “Seismic Shift in Coffee Sourcing: What 50% Brazil Tariffs Mean.” If you missed it, we recommend reading that first; it provides the policy context behind today’s news.
We’ve secured a worthy replacement for our Brazil components (which made up 56% of our green coffee purchases). It comes from Chiapas, Mexico — Turquesa and brings the classic nuttiness we rely on, with added clarity and cocoa sweetness. We expect it to roll into our blends beginning with the September 28 roast.
Why This Matters
For nine years, Brazil anchored our blends—supplying body, sweetness, and that familiar nutty backbone. The recent 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian coffee made that anchor economically untenable. Our goal was simple: preserve our flavor architecture and secure stability going forward. We’re excited to share that Chiapas, Mexico — Turquesa checks those boxes—and then some.
What you’ll taste: a comfortable throughline of toasted nut and cocoa (with a lift in clarity and aromatics). The profile remains true to our style while offering a touch more articulation in the cup.
Timeline: First production roast with the Mexico component is planned for September 28; blends will begin transitioning immediately afterward.
Which Blends Are Affected
Beginning with the September 28 roast, this origin change will be reflected in:
- Shift — reformulated to feature the Mexico Turquesa component.
- Shockwave — reformulated to feature the Mexico Turquesa component.
- Drift — reformulated to feature the Mexico Turquesa component.
- Seismic (dark‑roast single origin) — will pivot from Brazil to Mexico Turquesa as we unwind remaining Brazil inventory.
We’ll continue cupping and dialing to maintain flavor continuity—expect the familiar cocoa‑and‑nut backbone with a touch more clarity.
A Note on Costs and Pricing
There is no true cost‑equivalent substitute for Brazil. Even tariff‑free, Mexico and other alternatives typically carry low‑$1 differentials over the C, which means landed prices sit above what we were all used to paying for Brazil. That said, Mexico offers real strengths right now: dependable cup profiles, solid logistics, and partners we can build long‑term relationships with.
On pricing: This change isn’t insignificant. Our intention is to hold off on any price adjustment for as long as possible while we monitor the potential reversal of the 50% tariff on Brazil. If that policy is rolled back, we’ll likely pivot back to Brazil to reclaim margin. If it persists and we remain anchored in Mexico, we will need to adjust prices to preserve both quality and service. We’ll keep you updated—these are unprecedented conditions, and tariffs are only one of several factors that may force price adjustments. Rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to protect both the cup and your costs.
About the Region: Chiapas, Mexico — Turquesa
- Altitude & terroir: ~1,200–1,800 meters; temperate, humid climate influenced by the Sierra Madre de Chiapas; rich volcanic soils.
- Varieties & processing: Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, and Catuaí; fully washed; smallholder farms often organized into cooperatives.
- Cup architecture: approachable sweetness with milk‑chocolate and roasted‑nut tones; balanced body with gentle citrus and floral lift.
Thank you for your support through an unprecedented year. This pivot is a big deal for us—and we’re excited for you to taste why.
— Deaton Pigot & The Tectonic Coffee Team