Specialty coffee
Encyclopedia
"Specialty coffee" was first used in 1974 by Erna Knutsen in an issue of Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. Knutsen used this term to describe beans of the best flavor which are produced in special microclimates.
Specialty coffee is the term commonly used to refer to "gourmet" or "premium" coffee. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), coffee which scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded "specialty". Specialty coffees are grown in special and ideal climates, and are distinctive because of their full cup taste and little to none defects. The unique flavors and tastes are a result of the special characteristics and composition of the soils in which they are produced.
The specialty segment is the most rapidly growing portion of the coffee industry. In the U.S., specialty coffee has increased its market share from 1% to 20% in the last 25 years.
To promote and self-regulate the industry, growers, exporters, roasters, retailers and equipment suppliers have established trade associations. These associations exist in both coffee-consuming and producing countries.
Specialty Coffee Association of Europe
Specialty Coffee Association of Japan
New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association
Singapore Coffee Association
AustralAsian Specialty Coffee Association
Specialty coffee is the term commonly used to refer to "gourmet" or "premium" coffee. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), coffee which scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded "specialty". Specialty coffees are grown in special and ideal climates, and are distinctive because of their full cup taste and little to none defects. The unique flavors and tastes are a result of the special characteristics and composition of the soils in which they are produced.
The specialty segment is the most rapidly growing portion of the coffee industry. In the U.S., specialty coffee has increased its market share from 1% to 20% in the last 25 years.
To promote and self-regulate the industry, growers, exporters, roasters, retailers and equipment suppliers have established trade associations. These associations exist in both coffee-consuming and producing countries.
Associations in consuming countries
Specialty Coffee Association of AmericaSpecialty Coffee Association of America
The Specialty Coffee Association of America is a civilian trade organization for the specialty coffees industry, founded in 1982. The SCAA seeks to set standards for growing, roasting, and brewing premium coffees. Members of the SCAA include coffee retailers, roasters, producers, exporters and...
Specialty Coffee Association of Europe
Specialty Coffee Association of Japan
New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association
Singapore Coffee Association
AustralAsian Specialty Coffee Association
Associations in producing and consuming countries
- Specialty Coffee Association of Bolivia
- Brazil Specialty Coffee Association
- Colombian Coffee Federation
- Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica
- East African Fine Coffees Association
- Itzalco Fine Coffee Association of El Salvador
- Specialty Coffee Association of India
- Specialty Coffee Association of IndonesiaSpecialty Coffee Association of IndonesiaThe Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia is a trade association that represents farmers, exporters, roasters and retailers of Coffea arabica in Indonesia.-Indonesian coffee production:...
- Asociación de Cafes Especiales de Nicaragua
- Association of Special Coffees of Panama
- Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa