In the world of specialty coffee, a groundbreaking collaboration between two major organizations is set to redefine how coffee quality is assessed. On April 24, 2025, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) declared a transformative partnership that shifts management of the renowned Q grader program to the SCA. This transition marks a significant shift in the coffee industry's standards, sparking both excitement and apprehension among professionals.
A New Era for Coffee Grading Standards
In the heart of autumn, when the leaves began their annual descent, an announcement at the 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston rippled through the global coffee community. Starting October 1, 2025, the SCA will introduce an advanced version of the Q grader certification based on its Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) framework. This decision effectively disengages CQI from operations it has overseen for over two decades. As part of this initiative, the CVA protocol offers a more comprehensive evaluation method compared to traditional cupping scores.
The new CVA framework incorporates four distinct assessment stages: Physical, Extrinsic, Affective, and Descriptive. These evaluations focus not only on sensory attributes but also consider factors such as origin and certifications. Industry experts have expressed concerns regarding the abruptness of the change, potential costs involved, and whether adequate consultation with stakeholders occurred before implementation.
Professionals like Spencer Turer, Krzysztof Blinkiewicz, and Spencer Ross have voiced mixed reactions. While some see innovation and progress, others worry about market consolidation, reduced choices, and the impact on producers who rely heavily on third-party evaluations. The transition period leading up to December 31, 2025, presents challenges for certified Q graders worldwide, especially those considering recertification under the evolved system.
From a journalistic perspective, this development underscores the complexities inherent in evolving industry standards. It highlights the delicate balance required between innovation and tradition, ensuring that advancements benefit all participants along the supply chain rather than alienating them. The introduction of the CVA framework represents not just a technical upgrade but also a philosophical shift towards valuing coffee holistically rather than merely grading it numerically. This approach could lead to fairer pricing mechanisms and greater transparency across markets, although time will tell if these aspirations materialize fully.