Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encodes various sucrose metabolizing enzymes, along with their encoded proteins. Specifically, three types of invertase and four invertase inhibitors and their encoding polynucleotides from coffee are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the sugar profile of coffee plants, to influence flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans.