Minimum order quantity — MOQ — is often the first barrier a new buyer encounters when approaching a European coffee factory. Understanding realistic MOQs before you start your search saves time and prevents the frustration of approaching the wrong factory for your current scale.
Why MOQs Exist
Factories have minimum orders because production runs have fixed setup costs — cleaning equipment between products, preparing packaging lines, printing labels, and scheduling production time. Below a certain volume, a run is not economical. Understanding this makes negotiation much easier.
Typical MOQs by Product Format
- Roasted whole bean or ground coffee: 100–500kg minimum. Most established factories start at 200–300kg for first orders.
- Nespresso or Dolce Gusto compatible capsules: 5,000–10,000 units minimum depending on the manufacturer.
- Instant / soluble coffee: Typically 500kg minimum due to production complexity.
- Drip bag coffee: 1,000–5,000 units depending on the supplier and format.
- Custom printed packaging: Separate print run minimum typically 1,000–5,000 units.
How to Approach a Factory When Your Volumes Are Small
If your initial order is below the factory’s standard MOQ, ask directly — many factories will accommodate smaller first orders at a higher per-unit price as a trial. Consider simplifying your packaging format: plain kraft bags with a custom label have significantly lower MOQs than fully custom printed bags.
Planning for Growth
Be transparent with the factory about your current volumes and your 12-month projection. A factory that is a good long-term fit will work with you on the first order knowing that volumes will grow.
Burdet Coffee’s Approach
Burdet Coffee works with private label clients from 500kg for standard programs. For clients at an earlier stage, we can advise on the right sourcing path for your current volume. Download our catalogue or contact us.
New to Private Label Coffee?
If you are just starting out and want to understand the full process before contacting a manufacturer, we recommend the free beginner’s guide at MyOwnCoffeeBrand.com — it covers suppliers, packaging, real costs, and the most common mistakes new brands make.
Written by Khansaa Ruiz · Coffee Industry Consultant · Burdet Coffee · Madrid, Spain
