96B Cafe & Roastery

96B Cafe & Roastery, based in Ho Chi Minh City, operates as a multifaceted coffee entity that bridges the gap between traditional Vietnamese production and the global specialty coffee market. Founded with an analytical and experimental philosophy, the company serves as a roaster, cafe, education center, and green bean exporter. Their primary mission is to redefine the perception of Vietnamese coffee by focusing on high-quality Arabica, Robusta, and the often-overlooked Liberica and Excelsa species, moving beyond the commodity-grade reputation historically associated with the region.

The company’s approach is rooted in scientific rigor and direct collaboration with farmers. By maintaining an in-house educational lab and employing SCA-certified expertise, 96B emphasizes the importance of understanding bean structure, terroir, and roast profiles. This analytical mindset allows them to work closely with producers to develop specific micro-lots that highlight the unique characteristics of Vietnamese growing regions, such as the Central Highlands.

96B has gained significant recognition for its early and sustained commitment to Liberica and Excelsa coffee, having served these varieties since 2016. Their 'Excelsa Project,' for instance, demonstrates their commitment to innovation, utilizing advanced processing techniques like white honey and mosto fermentation to extract clean, floral, and bright flavor profiles from these beans. These efforts represent a departure from traditional processing, aiming to unlock the natural sweetness and complexity inherent in the fruit.

Beyond their work with rare varieties, 96B is deeply involved in the fine Robusta movement. Their dedication to quality has been validated in competitive settings, such as the 2021 Vietnam Amazing Cup, where a lot sourced from the Mori Farm in Gia Lai—processed as a natural fine Robusta—secured second place in the Robusta category. This success underscores their ability to identify and refine high-potential lots that meet international specialty standards.

The company’s operations are characterized by a commitment to transparency and direct trade. By acting as both a producer and an exporter, they maintain control over the supply chain, ensuring that experimental processing methods are executed with precision. This vertical integration allows them to offer a diverse range of coffees, from micro-lot Vietnamese specialties to carefully selected imported beans, all roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and consistency.

For the consumer and the industry, 96B represents a modern shift in the Vietnamese coffee landscape. By providing workshops and maintaining an open, feedback-oriented environment, they foster a community of coffee lovers ranging from novices to professionals. Their work serves as a case study in how regional producers can leverage scientific experimentation and direct market access to elevate local varieties on the global stage, ultimately changing the narrative of what Vietnamese coffee can achieve.