From 17g to Industry Leader: What We Learned About Coffee Trading at Walter Matter

From 17g to Industry Leader: What We Learned About Coffee Trading at Walter Matter

Written by Ami and William, 17g Coffee students 

We are Ami and William, currently the Heads of Development and Social Media respectively, and we have both been part of 17g for almost 3 years. Last year, we had the opportunity to intern at Walter Matter, a renowned coffee and cacao trading company located in Geneva, where we were able to dive deep into the different aspects of the coffee industry.

Throughout the internship, we rotated through various departments, including sustainability and trading, and took full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions. Everyone we encountered was incredibly passionate about their work, which made the experience even more engaging. In the environmental section, we learned about their efforts to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), where they were geolocating farms to ensure sustainable sourcing. This opened our eyes to how seriously environmental responsibility is taken in the industry, and it made us reflect on how we could adopt similar practices at 17g.

In the trading department, we were in awe of the complexities traders faced. Rising coffee prices, driven by global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, meant rerouting imports through longer, more expensive pathways. Watching traders navigate these challenges made us realize how connected global events are to the coffee business.

One of the most rewarding experiences was participating in a coffee cupping and roasting session. We evaluated various types of coffee using Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards, ranking them for major clients like Nestlé. It was fascinating to experience the art of cupping firsthand, as we discussed flavor profiles and quality.

By the end of our internship, we saw how all these departments—environmental, trading, quality control, and more—fit together. Every section plays a critical role in bringing coffee from farms to global markets, and the experience gave us a new perspective on how the various aspects of coffee trading align with our work at 17g. It deepened our appreciation for the industry and inspired us to think more holistically about coffee's journey from bean to cup.

17g  Coffee is one of Beau Soleil's student-led businesses and one of our Professional Learning Programmes. Our Professional Learning Programmes are designed to inspire future entrepreneurs, exposing students to diverse industries and enabling them to earn formal qualifications. Through 17g Coffee, students gain practical business experience by actively participating in all aspects of the business, including marketing, e-commerce, and product development to becoming qualified baristas. This hands-on approach provides invaluable insights into the coffee industry while fostering entrepreneurial skills. Learn more about our Professional Learning Programmes here. Stay up with the latest news from 17g Coffee on their website or Instagram.