For a roasting operation, which method is considered more efficient in terms of production steps?

Pre-blending is considered more efficient in terms of production steps because it involves mixing the green coffee beans prior to the roasting process. This method allows for a more uniform roast profile, as all beans in the blend will undergo the same roasting conditions, resulting in a consistent flavor and quality across the entire batch. By blending beforehand, roasters can streamline the process and reduce the need for additional steps that might be required in post-blending, where the blending occurs after roasting, potentially leading to variations and increased time for quality control.

Additionally, pre-blending can facilitate better inventory management, as roasters can combine different origins or beans to achieve desired flavor profiles without the complications associated with managing multiple roasted coffee types and their respective profiles. This efficiency in the workflow ultimately reduces labor and time, aligning with production goals in a roasting operation.