Before CropConex, Buyers search for coffee from a variety of siloed places, such as PDF offer lists distributed via email or browsing static individual seller websites that provide incomplete or out-of-date information. Similarly, coffee Sellers lack tools to access new markets and coordinate logistics once a sale is made. Communication between Buyers and Sellers were conducted through text messages, WhatsApp, emails, and phone calls – making it difficult to track negotiations and find relevant information. This manual and disorganized process leads to increased costs and risks in sourcing coffee.

Coffee contracts and important trade data is still exchanged though paper documents and antiquated tools that don’t work synchronously, often leading to critical errors, mistakes, and delays. As a result, less than 1% of those who could participate in international trade capitalize on the opportunity because of the complexities, costs, and risks involved.