About Us

Garth Smith, The President and Founder of Organic Products Trading Company, began his coffee career working for a West Coast Specialty Coffee Roaster. In his position as manager of the Organic Coffee Division, he was responsible for sourcing certified organic raw coffee. At that time in the mid 1980’s, he quickly discovered that most of these coffee were passively organic with no quality standards or certification. He also found that there was no consistant or reliable source importer for certified organic coffee. Garth then traveled to different countries trying to indentify farmers who were willing to take an active approach to organic agriculture. Garth believed that if he could develop the quality needed for the specialty coffee market, then a market would grow to support these farmers and their products. It was from these beginnings that organic products trading company was established in 1989.

Today Organic Products Trading Company (OPTCO) is the most recognized industry authority on certified organic coffee. Long term commitments by both OPTCO and the growers to increase quality, and thereby the value of the products, are key to the success of the coffee projects. These successes are responsible for a stronger economic base for the farmer, his family and the communities. Taking organic coffee beyond the ecological considerations, these coffee projects support a healthier way of life through many social and educational programs generated and supported by the successful commercialization of their coffee. The many years of works at source developing these coffee projects and the strict controls during the wet and dry processing, have set the benchmark for quality coffee that remains unchallanged.

In the last ten years quality focused roasters throughout North America have come to depend on OPTCO for their organic coffee needs. OPTCO now offers certified organic coffee from nine different countries, insuring roasters of a broad selection of coffees that offer a wide spectrum of flavor profiles for every possible need. Both our Mexican and Peru coffees are offered as Swiss Water Process Decaffeinated. This decaf process is the only OCIA Organic approved decaf process and along with their continuing efforts to increase flavor and quality make these decaf coffees exceptional in the cup.

OPTCO is constantly working to expand its coffee offerings and availability both on the East and West Coast. Because of the work at farm level that OPTCO is involved in, we offer detailed information sheets about the area, the people, and the coffee to help roasters promote the coffee, increase their sales and to help educate their staff. Whether you need one bag or multiple containers, OPTCO has the ability to fill you requirements. Coffee can be purchased on spot or forward contracts to ensure a stable quality supply throughout the year.

Meet Our Team