SCA to Take Over Q Grader Program Management in Strategic Partnership
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is set to take over management of the Q Grader program from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) starting October 1, 2025. The Q Grader program, often likened to sommelier certification in wine, has certified over 8,000 coffee professionals in arabica and robusta evaluation. This transition aims to integrate the SCA's new Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) program, replacing legacy cupping forms to modernize professional coffee evaluation. SCA CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos emphasized this partnership as a step toward enhancing global specialty coffee standards. CQI CEO Michael Sheridan expressed pride in the program’s impact and excitement for its evolution. This move addresses past concerns about the Q program's administration and seeks to better serve the coffee industry. Further details are expected as developments continue.