Speciality Coffee Association’s Effort to Ensure Fairness in Coffee Industry

The Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) has unveiled its latest report, the Equitable Value Distribution (EVD) Survey Findings, aiming to promote fair distribution of value throughout the coffee supply chain for sustainability.

Initiated in April 2023, the survey involved stakeholders across the coffee supply chain to assess how value is generated and assessed in coffee value chains.

The report delves into how these survey outcomes will shape the SCA‘s strategies, offering insights into how the industry perceives value distribution and identifying necessary changes.

Andres Montenegro, SCA Sustainability Director, underscores the report’s importance, highlighting the potential for enhancing value creation and acknowledging producers for their contributions to coffee’s value.

A significant portion of respondents expressed the belief that current value distribution methods need adjustment, particularly in ensuring that producers receive a fair share relative to the value they generate.

Montenegro reaffirms the SCA’s dedication to deepening understanding and taking actionable steps towards fair value distribution. Collaborating with the Coffee Science Foundation, they seek funding and research partnerships to develop strategies for the specialty coffee community to innovate in this area.

Specialty Coffee Association Unveils Groundbreaking Membership Model in 2024

In a bold move to match the exponential growth of the specialty coffee industry, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is set to launch its most ambitious membership overhaul in decades this year. Dubbed as a game-changer, the new model promises to redefine connectivity, accessibility, and value within the global coffee community.

Under the revamped structure, members can anticipate a tailored experience like never before. The SCA’s innovative platform will offer personalized pathways, catering to the unique needs of each individual or company. Whether it’s accessing cutting-edge research, educational resources, or forging connections with like-minded professionals, the new membership promises to elevate the coffee experience.

Embracing inclusivity, the SCA introduces two distinct membership tiers. The associate membership, a complimentary offering, opens doors for enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in SCA events, education, and competitions. Meanwhile, the professional membership, priced at an accessible $100, offers enhanced benefits including voting eligibility and promotional advantages.

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to fostering a thriving, sustainable, and equitable coffee ecosystem. “It’s not just about expansion; it’s about evolution. We envision a future where every coffee enthusiast, from bean to cup, can access the tools, research, and resources to enhance their craft,” Apostolopoulos stated.

Scheduled for release later this year, the SCA’s groundbreaking model promises to reshape the landscape of specialty coffee. For current members seeking clarification or newcomers eager to join the movement, inquiries are encouraged to reach out. Get ready to savor a new era of coffee culture with the Specialty Coffee Association.

“Stronghold” Named Official Production Sponsor for the 2024-2027 World Coffee Roasting Championship

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) proudly announces the selection of “Stronghold” as the Official Production Roaster Sponsor for the 2024-2027 World Coffee Roasting Championship (WCRC), providing the Stronghold SX9 machine for the 2024 WCRC. The production roaster is a crucial component of WCRC equipment, utilized by national champions in their practice and production roasting for both single-origin coffees and blends.

The WCRC is the annual event of the World Coffee Championship (WCC) that recognizes excellence in coffee roasting, evaluating competitors based on their coffee assessment, preparation, blending, and overall skills in practice, sample, and production roasts. The competition has experienced significant growth in recent years, with 130 competitors participating in the eight editions since its inception in 2013.

The World Coffee Championships (WCC) thrive thanks to the support and dedication of a diverse array of organizations and individuals. Qualified sponsors, the manufacturers providing the equipment used by competitors on stage, are integral to this support. In addition to supporting broader SCA programming, qualified sponsors sign multi-year agreements to foster the strategic growth of the competitions and dedicate time and resources to ensure that every world championship competitor uses the same high-quality equipment.

“Stronghold is a fantastic partner, and we are delighted to welcome them as the official production roaster for the 2024-2027 World Coffee Roasting Championships as we see this competition grow,” said Yannis Apostolopoulos, SCA Chief Executive Officer. “Stronghold has been an excellent partner in several other SCA initiatives and events of the past few years, and we couldn’t be more delighted to enter this long-term partnership with them.”

“At Stronghold, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of roasting technology, with our environmental and sustainability goals in mind,” said Jason Woo, Stronghold Chief Executive Officer. “As we usher in the era of all-electric commercial roasting, we are thrilled that our efforts have been acknowledged, being selected as the official production equipment for the prestigious World Coffee Roasting Championship. This marks a significant step forward for us, challenging the industry norm and bringing an economically and environmentally sustainable future to the global stage.”

Stronghold will support the World Coffee Roasting Championship as the official production roaster sponsor, starting with the 2024 event hosted at World of Coffee Copenhagen, Denmark, in June. We look forward to an exciting partnership over the coming years.