When you’re sourcing coffee from Indonesia, understanding the grading system is key—especially terms like Robusta Coffee AP Grade, EK1, and ELB. These aren’t just technical labels. They tell you about the bean’s quality, defect level, size, and even how it looks after processing. Whether you’re an importer, roaster, or bulk buyer, knowing the differences can help you make smarter, more profitable decisions. In this guide, we’ll break down what each grade really means and how it affects pricing, roast consistency, and buyer expectations. We’ll also introduce you to CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa, a trusted supplier of Robusta coffee and other Indonesian export commodities.

What Is EK1? (Eerste Kwaliteit – First Export Grade)

Let’s start with the backbone of Indonesian Robusta exports: EK1. The term stands for “Eerste Kwaliteit”, Dutch for “First Quality”, a grading system inherited from colonial trade practices.

Key Features of Robusta EK1:

• Focus on Quality: EK1 emphasizes low defect levels and consistent bean size.
• Grading Levels: Further broken down into:
  • GR1: 0–11 defects per 300 grams (highest quality)
  • GR2: 12–25 defects
  • GR3: 26–44 defects
  • GR4: 45–80 defects (often for domestic use)
• Screen Size: Usually screen 15–17 (medium size)
• Processing Method: Semi-washed or washed
• Use Case: Medium-quality roasted coffee, packaged coffee blends

EK1 is the most common choice for roasters looking for good value with reliable consistency. It’s a step above basic commercial grades and is suitable for export to discerning markets.

What Is Robusta AP Grade? (After Polished – Visual Quality Boost)

AP stands for “After Polished”, and it refers to a mechanical process applied to the beans—not a quality grade in itself, but an enhancement to improve the visual appeal of coffee.

Key Features of Robusta AP Grade:

• Polishing Process: After the beans are hulled, they undergo polishing to remove remaining parchment, dust, or silver skin.
• Visual Quality: Cleaner, shinier beans with fewer visible blemishes
• No Change to Cup Quality: Polishing is cosmetic and does not affect taste or defect level
• Add-on to Any Grade: You can have EK1 AP, for instance, which means EK1-grade beans that have been polished
• Use Case: Markets that value visual presentation—e.g., Japan, Korea

Polished beans are considered more appealing on the shelf. AP is often used to increase buyer confidence, especially in markets where clean appearance equates to quality, even if flavor remains the same.

What Is ELB? (Extra Large Beans – Size and Consistency)

ELB stands for “Extra Large Beans”. Unlike EK1 or AP, ELB focuses on bean size—a critical factor in roast consistency and industrial coffee applications.

Key Features of Robusta ELB Grade:

• Screen Size: Minimum screen 18 or higher; very large and uniform beans
• Density: Higher density beans, often indicating mature and well-developed seeds
• Fewer Floaters: Due to size and density, ELB beans tend to float less, making them ideal for higher-quality blends
• Use Case: Espresso blends, premium instant coffee, and specialty roasts

ELB doesn’t necessarily mean fewer defects unless paired with EK1 grading. However, its large size offers a more predictable roast profile and better flavor retention for specialty applications.

Decoding Labels: EK1 GR1 AP ELB – What It Really Means

Indonesian exporters commonly use combined codes like “Robusta EK1 GR1 AP ELB”. Here’s what that means:

• EK1 = First export quality (low defects)
• GR1 = Highest grade with 0–11 defects per 300g
• AP = Beans have been polished after hulling
• ELB = Beans are extra large, screen 18+

So this label refers to top-tier Robusta beans, with a clean appearance, large size, and minimal defects. If you’re sourcing for a specialty instant coffee blend or consistent medium roast, this is an excellent option.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Robusta AP vs EK1 vs ELB

Attribute	Robusta AP Grade	EK1 (GR1–GR4)	ELB Grade
Meaning	After Polished	Eerste Kwaliteit	Extra Large Beans
Focus	Visual appearance	Defect level and quality	Bean size
Screen Size	Any (varies)	Usually 15–17	18+
Defect Tolerance	Based on base grade	GR1: 0–11 to GR4: 45–80	Based on base grade
Processing	Not affected	Semi-washed/washed	Varies
Impact on Taste	No	Yes	Indirect (roast level)
Use Case	Export aesthetics	Mid to high-quality blends	Premium applications

How This Affects Roasting and Export Decisions

For Roasters:

• If you need visually clean beans, go for AP-processed grades.
• For consistent roast profiles, look for ELB options with uniform size.
• Want to maximize flavor and reduce defects? Choose EK1 GR1 or GR2.

For Exporters:

• Each market has different preferences. European buyers often prioritize low defect levels, while Asian markets may focus on visual appeal.
• ELB beans fetch higher prices but require stricter sorting and sourcing.
• AP beans are easier to market visually but should be paired with quality grading like EK1.

Why Work with CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa?

If you’re sourcing coffee from Indonesia, partnering with the right supplier can make or break your results. CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa is a reliable name in the export market, with decades of experience in:

• Coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta, including EK1, ELB, and AP
• Spices: Clove, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon
• Fishery products: Tuna, octopus, skipjack, and more
• Coconut products: Coconut sugar, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, and coconut water concentrate

They offer:

• Farm-to-port traceability
• Standardized quality control
• Flexible contract options for small and bulk buyers
• Transparent documentation and export compliance

If you’re looking for a trusted supplier who understands the nuances of Indonesian commodity grading, CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa delivers both expertise and consistency.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Coffee Grade Wisely

Understanding what Robusta Coffee AP Grade means—and how it compares to EK1 and ELB—is essential for importers and roasters alike. Here’s a final recap:

• AP = visual polish, not necessarily quality
• EK1 = the real quality grade, defined by defect count (GR1–GR4)
• ELB = refers to extra-large bean size, ideal for consistent roasts

These grading systems help you match the right product to the right market. Whether you’re building a private-label instant coffee line or a premium espresso blend, the right grade sets the foundation for everything else. Contact CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa how we can provide the best solutions for you. WhatsApp: +62 8213 4505 737, Email: info@bonafideanugerahsentosa.com / bas.mdir@gmail.com.