Exploring the Science Behind Segara Coffee with Esther Singer

Esther Singer's journey into the coffee world is a fascinating blend of scientific inquiry and entrepreneurial spirit. With a background that spans over a decade of research in soils, ecosystems, and plant-microbe interactions at institutions like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she transitioned into biotechnology as a director at Twist Bioscience. Yet, it was coffee that synthesized her scientific pursuits and her experience in product development and marketing.

“I became fascinated by coffee as an agricultural system: genetics, soil, climate, processing, fermentation, drying, roasting,” Singer shared in a conversation with DCN. “Changing one variable can lead to a discernible difference in the cup. For a scientist, that's irresistible.”

Launched in 2025 in Reno, Nevada, Segara Coffee illustrates this fascination. The company focuses exclusively on specialty arabica coffees sourced directly from Indonesian producers, emphasizing relationships over traditional distribution methods.

Born to an Indonesian mother and a German father, and raised in Germany, Singer’s diverse background profoundly influences her work. Her experience revealed that the Indonesian coffees she encountered in the U.S. only scratched the surface of the country’s rich coffee diversity.

“The more I looked, the more there was to discover: cultivars I had never encountered in the U.S., producers doing really interesting work, different approaches to processing, and coffees that didn’t fit neatly into the profile I had learned to associate with Indonesia,” Singer explained. This revelation motivated her to bring these lesser-known coffees to a broader audience.

With "Segara," translating to "sea" or "ocean" in Javanese, the name embodies the extensive Indonesian archipelago and Singer's ambition to create connections through coffee. “The idea is to focus deeply on one coffee-producing country rather than creating a conventional multi-origin portfolio,” she noted. “This approach allows us to extensively explore while fostering expertise and long-term partnerships in Indonesia.”

The Intersection of Science and Coffee

When asked what excites her most about coffee, Singer emphasized its multifaceted nature. “Coffee sits at the intersection of plant genetics, soil science, ecology, agriculture, microbiology, processing, chemistry, and sensory science,” she explains. This diversity allows her to engage with coffee from multiple scientific angles while also appreciating its cultural significance.

“I can look at coffee through a scientific lens to understand its behaviors and taste profiles, then switch perspectives as a roaster to find the best way to express those flavors,” she added. “At the end of the day, coffee is a medium that brings people together.”

Navigating Complex Challenges

However, Singer also expresses concern about the oversimplification of coffee’s complexity. She points out that while categories such as origin, processing, and tasting notes are valuable, they can lead to restrictive assumptions. Indonesian coffee, for example, has often been pigeonholed into specific characteristics, which overshadows the broad spectrum of offerings available.

“Many consumers associate Indonesian coffee primarily with Sumatra's wet-hulled process, heavy body, and earthy flavors,” she remarked. While these profiles are significant, they risk redefining Indonesia's coffee identity solely by this narrow lens.

Moreover, Singer worries about the disconnect between coffee conversations and agricultural foundations. “Coffee starts as a plant; it’s influenced by climate, soil health, and producer practices,” she said. Coming from an environmental science background, she emphasizes the interconnected nature of the coffee ecosystem.

The Path Beyond Coffee

Had she not ventured into coffee, Singer believes she would still engage at the crossroads of science and entrepreneurship. “I’m always drawn to understanding natural systems, and I’m motivated by transforming that knowledge into something tangible,” she reflected. Coffee has provided her with a unique opportunity to merge her scientific interests with entrepreneurial endeavors while cultivating human connections.

Esther Singer's commitment to bringing Indonesian coffee's full range to the forefront is more than an entrepreneurial venture; it's a dedication to sustainability, quality, and human relationships—elements that she continues to weave into the fabric of Segara Coffee.

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