what is coffee?

Take the six-part journey through the supply chain, expand your definition of all that coffee is, and deepen your appreciation for all those involved in the commerce of coffee.

what is ED+U?

a source for free, professional coffee education

For over 30 years, we at Cafe Imports have been students of the industry, endeavoring to share what we learn. This program is the latest step toward making that knowledge accessible.

ED+U is named for the belief that specialty coffee is made stronger when everyone has access to education. When more people broaden their definition and appreciation of coffee, the chances of a more sustainable industry increase.

We hope ED+U is a place for learning, teaching, and growing together.

who is ED+U for?

  • new coffee professionals

    When curiosity + drive outpace available resources, ED+U exists for the coffee pro who wants to go deeper, earn credentials + grow their career.

  • growing coffee businesses

    Building a knowledge curriculum is expensive and time-consuming. Use ED+U to grow your training program and better support your team.

  • coffee enthusiasts

    ED+U treats enthusiasts as seriously as it treats professionals. Grow your knowledge of the world of specialty coffee in one place.

what the alum say:

5 star rating

Great, sharp, and crisp content

Saurabh Mehra

Where most choose to gatekeep and monetize every grain of information, this masterfully comprehensive coffee/training content reveals the heart of a true leader. A magnificent gesture that offers the keys to the craft to anyone willing to learn.

Where most choose to gatekeep and monetize every grain of information, this masterfully comprehensive coffee/training content reveals the heart of a true leader. A magnificent gesture that offers the keys to the craft to anyone willing to learn.

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5 star rating

Just two sections in and already know more

Vishal Pipraiya

Brilliant course and already I am learning so much. The level of production quality is astounding!

Brilliant course and already I am learning so much. The level of production quality is astounding!

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5 star rating

A Must-Take Course for Coffee Enthusiasts

Chris John Angeles

This course was a great experience, especially for a coffee enthusiast like me. It really helped me deepen my understanding of coffee beyond just brewing and taste. I was introduced to new terms, concepts, and the botanical side of coffee, which g...

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This course was a great experience, especially for a coffee enthusiast like me. It really helped me deepen my understanding of coffee beyond just brewing and taste. I was introduced to new terms, concepts, and the botanical side of coffee, which gave me a whole new perspective on what goes into every cup. The lessons were clear, informative, and easy to follow, making even complex topics like coffee species and breeding more understandable. I now feel more confident in my knowledge and appreciation of coffee.

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5 star rating

Bridging the Gap Between Producers, Buyers, and Roasters

Gustavo Guerra

As a coffee producer, I was already familiar with most of the processing methods covered in the course. However, I found it extremely valuable because it explains each stage of the coffee process in a clear, structured, and accessible way for ever...

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As a coffee producer, I was already familiar with most of the processing methods covered in the course. However, I found it extremely valuable because it explains each stage of the coffee process in a clear, structured, and accessible way for everyone involved in the coffee value chain. What I appreciated most is that the course helps producers, buyers, importers, and roasters speak the same language and develop a shared understanding of how processing decisions impact quality, flavor, and value. This common framework makes communication easier, strengthens relationships throughout the supply chain, and ultimately helps everyone make better-informed decisions. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of coffee processing from both a technical and commercial perspective.

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5 star rating

Awesome

Joe DiPangrazio

This was a great course! I have already been telling people that I know who are into coffee to take these courses. Thank you for offering them!!

This was a great course! I have already been telling people that I know who are into coffee to take these courses. Thank you for offering them!!

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5 star rating

Very educational!

Ned Woods

Awesome course, learned lots, really appreciate the format and the multiple choice quizzes. Well done!

Awesome course, learned lots, really appreciate the format and the multiple choice quizzes. Well done!

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ED+U's official newsletter provides program updates, class and live event announcements, and some extra coffee education.
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meet your instructor

Dylan Siemens, Head of Education

Throughout my coffee career, countless people have invested their time and knowledge in me. I'm grateful to be able to pay that forward here at Cafe Imports. As importers, we are uniquely positioned to learn from people at every step of the supply chain, and we want to share that knowledge freely with the industry.
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FAQ

  • anything I should know before I start?

    The majority of the classes are video. We recommend setting the video to your preferred speed and turning on captions. Those settings will be saved for all future videos. There are 2-3 tests per class, 10-15 multiple-choice questions each. You must receive a passing grade of 80% to unlock the next module. Each class awards a certificate of completion that you can save or share by URL. The certificates don't expire. Add them to your resume or LinkedIn!

  • do I have to take the classes in order?

    That is how the classes were designed, but we encourage you to start with what interests you most and create your own path through the content.

  • can ED+U be offered to my staff?

    Yes! This curriculum is designed to integrate into a coffee company's onboarding, free of charge. We're here to help you create that system. Email us at [email protected], and let's set up a time to talk!

  • how are the classes created?

    The class objectives are established, and research is conducted by reviewing scholarly articles, studies, and books. Some classes warrant traveling to producing countries or interviewing subject matter experts. Individuals who are consulted are often affiliated with or suppliers to Cafe Imports. Organize the gathered information into a written lesson plan structured on the class objectives. Gather supporting media, including photos, videos, and art from research travel, cited works, Cafe Imports’ digital library, and in-house designers. Class presentations are created in PowerPoint. Class materials are peer-reviewed and fact-checked by stakeholders like the Cafe Imports executive team and experts who contributed to the class. Classes are written, and creation is directed by Dylan Siemens, Head of Education.

  • how may I use the class materials?

    These classes are open-access, meaning you can use the materials however you need. We ask that you credit Cafe Imports as the source if you use the information, art, or files. We hope ed+u raises the quality and accessibility of coffee education for individuals and companies.

  • are private or in-person sessions offered?

    If you’d like to schedule a private session, email [email protected].