To start your coffee brand in Oregon, lock down compliance and production first, then build sales channels. Register an LLC with the Oregon Secretary of State, file an Assumed Business Name if needed, get an EIN, and obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Food Safety license for roasting/packaging (or use a licensed co-packer). If roasting in-house, secure building/fire permits, fuel and mechanical approvals for your roaster/venting, and check with DEQ on Air Contaminant Discharge Permit needs based on capacity and fuel type; budget for an afterburner or odor control. Label to FDA/ODA rules: statement of identity (roasted coffee/whole bean or ground), net weight in ounces and grams on the PDP, business name/address, lot code for traceability, roast date, and GS1 barcodes for retail. Decide make-vs-partner using total landed cost per finished pound (green + loss + labor + packaging + utilities + freight + overhead) and quality risk; specify QC by Agtron color, moisture, water activity, and cupping scores. Choose valve bags, nitrogen flush, and case packs sized for your channel. Oregon’s no-sales-tax favors DTC; pair a Shopify store with wholesale to Market of Choice, New Seasons, and cafés. Start with two blends, one seasonal single origin, and a subscription.
