Specialty coffee cuppers play an essential role in the coffee value chain, and their contribution to the industry is immeasurable. On October 6, 2022, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) announced a task force to build a robust system for specialty coffee cuppers and graders. The task force comprises more than 40 members, including institutional partners, leaders in the coffee community, and volunteering individuals.
The SCA is proud to release their first contribution, a new white paper titled "The Value of Specialty Coffee Cuppers: Perspectives, Roles, and Professional Competencies." The paper highlights the various roles cuppers hold within coffee's value chain, the value of these roles, and the competencies required to operate as a cupper successfully.
Cuppers are subject matter experts who taste coffee and discover, support, ensure, and communicate its quality. This white paper aims to offer a clear path of professional development for those seeking to work in the specialty coffee sector by calling attention to the vast range of roles cuppers currently occupy and the relevant competencies required to fulfil them.
Cupping, a sensory assessment that recognizes the sensory and physical attributes of coffee, is a key activity for decision-making along the chain. The SCA cupping system has become a globally recognized industry standard since its creation in the early 2000s, and it is used by many stakeholders worldwide to improve coffee quality, support producers, and establish a common language between buyers and sellers.
This white paper is an excellent resource for those who want to understand better the role of specialty coffee cuppers and the competencies required to become one. The SCA is committed to building a robust system for specialty coffee cuppers and graders, and this white paper is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more updates on this project.
The Value of Specialty Coffee Cuppers SCA White Paper
Posted by Nate Lee on
