Seeking to import foreign coffee brand, need advice

[JTBlue]

Hi All,

I currently work with artisan groups in developing nations and want to expand to import and distribute coffee in the US. Options are importing green beans and roasting them to distribute: This would require creating a brand/labeling etc (something we are expert in) or importing two existing brands and serving as the distributor.

I am currently working on the business plan.

Can someone lend advice on both options? If we are going to import the brands, good pricing models for the business plan? What is the expected mark up from distributor to retailer? Is it good to go through food brokers, etc.

Thanks,

JT