787 Coffee: Committed to Continuous Learning and Innovation for the Perfect Cup

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At 787 Coffee, we're passionate about bringing you the best possible cup of coffee. That's why we're constantly striving to learn and innovate, from our farm to your cup. We recently had the opportunity to send our co-founder, Sam Sepúlveda, to India to participate in the prestigious QP2 program. As a United Airlines captain, co-founder of 787 Coffee, and president of Hacienda Iluminada, Sam's diverse experience in both aviation and coffee has made him uniquely suited to this program. In this article, we'll share some of the valuable insights Sam gained from the program and how this knowledge will help us continue to deliver exceptional coffee experiences.


Sam sepulveda in india qp2 arabica and robusta educator


What is QP2?

QP2, or Qualified Processor 2, is a rigorous program that equips coffee professionals with the skills and knowledge to produce and source high-quality coffee. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Coffee science and agronomy: Participants gain a deep understanding of the coffee plant, its fruit, and how environmental factors impact coffee processing.

  • Quality control systems: The program teaches participants how to develop and implement quality control systems to ensure consistent coffee quality throughout the supply chain.

  • Coffee processing techniques: Participants learn about different coffee processing methods and how to select the right method for different varietals, climates, and desired final products.

  • Sensory evaluation: The program includes training in cupping, a method for evaluating the flavor profile of coffee. Participants learn to identify green coffee defects and how they impact the final cup.



How will this benefit 787 Coffee and you, the coffee lover?

Sam's participation in the QP2 program will allow us to:

  • Source even higher-quality coffee beans: With a deeper understanding of coffee processing, we'll be able to identify and source exceptional coffee beans from around the world.

  • Improve our coffee processing methods: The knowledge gained from the program will allow us to further refine our coffee processing techniques, resulting in even more flavorful and nuanced cups.

  • Provide you with a more consistent coffee experience: By implementing stricter quality control measures, we can ensure that every cup of 787 Coffee meets our high standards.



What Skills Does Sam Bring from the QP2 Program?

As a QP2, Sam has acquired a variety of skills that will enhance the way we operate at 787 Coffee:

  • A common language and processing system to better understand and maintain standardized methods within the coffee chain, particularly with producers.

  • The ability to develop a robust Quality Control system to improve the coffee processes, from the farm to the cup.

  • A deeper understanding of the basic anatomy of the coffee plant and fruit, as well as how environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and sunlight affect processing.

  • Insights into coffee processing and drying equipment selection and usage based on raw materials, resources, and labor.

  • Knowledge of fermentation basics—the what, why, and how—that allows us to enhance the final flavor of the coffee.

  • The ability to select raw material and characterize it to enhance its potential, along with an appreciation for the hard work of farmers, who play a critical role in the coffee supply chain.

    With these we we push for GREATNESS even more - producing better coffee, buying better coffee from our neighboring farms farms in Maricao and purchasing coffee from Mexico and Colombia from humans that align with our values. A true from farm to cup coffee experience.


Artisanal Coffee

HIGH ENERGY COFFEE!



Sam’s unique experiences in aviation and his deep connection to the coffee world make him a standout figure in the QP2 program. Not only is he now an educator for both Arabica and Robusta coffee, but he is also proudly representing Puerto Rico, the Latino community, and 787 Coffee on the global stage.

Our Commitment to Continuous Learning

Sam's participation in the QP2 program is just one example of our commitment to continuous learning and innovation. We believe that by constantly seeking out new knowledge and techniques, we can provide our customers with the best possible coffee experience.

We are confident that the knowledge gained from the QP2 program will allow us to continue to deliver exceptional coffee experiences. We are committed to sourcing the highest quality coffee beans, using the latest processing techniques, and providing our customers with a truly exceptional cup of coffee.



Thank you for choosing 787 Coffee!

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of our commitment to quality and innovation. We are always looking for ways to improve, and we believe that this commitment to continuous learning is essential to bringing you the best possible cup of coffee.

Stay Connected:

  • Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about our coffee and our commitment to quality.

  • Visit our website to explore our selection of coffees.

  • Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our latest news and updates.


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How to Experience the 787 Coffee Difference

  1. Visit Us in Person

    • Discover how we transform simple coffee moments into unforgettable experiences at our 787 Coffee shops in New York, Puerto Rico and El Paso, Texas. Get a taste of our signature Coffees - Our supremo Puerto Rican SPecialty coffee, also used for our exclusive rum infused coffee beans. Also try our coffees from the Americas - Our Mexican specialty coffee is currently being used for our mezcal, tequila and whiskey infusions and colombian specialty coffee for our classic coldbrew. Grown by farmers that share our own values for sustainability and eco- friendly practices.

  2. Order Coffee Online

    • Can’t make it to our brick-and-mortar locations? Head to 787coffee.com to buy coffee beans online and bring the flavor of Puerto Rico right to your kitchen. From single-origin gems to our community-favorite blends, our online store offers something for every coffee enthusiast.

  3. Stay Connected

    • Follow us on social media for brewing tips, product launches, and behind-the-scenes stories from our farms in Puerto Rico and cafés in New York. Use #787Coffee to share your own coffee adventures—you might just inspire someone else to try their first 787 Coffee latte or to purchase our beans online.


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