Tag: Coffee Education

Evolved Q Grader Program Adopts Coffee Value Assessment, Reshaping Global Coffee Standards

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai, 13 August 2025 (Qahwa World) — The global coffee industry is set for a historic transformation as the Q Grader Program, the benchmark certification for coffee quality evaluation, adopts the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) framework under the leadership of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

From October 1, 2025, the SCA will take over program operations from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), retiring the 2004 cupping protocol that has defined quality standards for over two decades. The move marks a significant shift toward a more holistic approach to coffee evaluation, placing equal emphasis on physical, sensory, cultural, and personal perception attributes.

Why the Change Matters

The 2004 protocol—built on objective scoring for aroma, flavor, body, and other measurable traits—has long been a trusted tool. However, industry leaders argue it underrepresents extrinsic factors such as origin, processing method, certifications, and producer stories, which increasingly influence market value.

Introduced in 2023, the CVA integrates four dimensions of assessment:

  • Physical Attributes — Objective evaluation of green coffee quality.

  • Extrinsic Attributes — Market-relevant factors such as terroir, certifications, and narratives.

  • Affective Attributes — The cupper’s personal impression on a 100-point scale.

  • Descriptive Attributes — Detailed sensory profiling of flavor and aroma.

By including these dimensions, the CVA reflects a coffee’s complete market value—not just its chemical or physical characteristics.

Impact on Q Graders

All current and former Arabica and Robusta Q Graders must complete the CVA for Cuppers conversion course by December 31, 2025 to maintain certification. The course, lasting two days, is designed to help graders transition smoothly to the new framework.

From 2026 onward, only the six-day Evolved Q Course will lead to certification. Missing the conversion deadline means starting the process from scratch.

Industry Reactions

“The CVA acknowledges that coffee quality is more than chemistry—it’s culture, craftsmanship, and context,” said Thomas Haigh, Specialty Coffee Merchant and Arabica Q Grader since 2015.

Producers, particularly in origin countries, see the shift as an opportunity to highlight unique practices and secure better recognition for their efforts. Roasters and green buyers anticipate richer, more nuanced data for sourcing decisions.

Key Transition Dates

  • October 1, 2025 — SCA takes over Q Grader Program; CVA becomes standard.

  • December 31, 2025 — Last day for Q Graders to complete CVA for Cuppers conversion course.

  • From 2026 — Six-day Evolved Q Course becomes the only certification route.

Looking Ahead

The adoption of the CVA is more than an administrative change—it represents an industry-wide realignment toward recognizing both intrinsic and extrinsic value in coffee. While some professionals may resist altering a long-trusted system, others view this as an essential evolution to meet the demands of a more globalized and story-driven specialty market.

CQI Reflects on a Landmark Year and Sets Ambitious Plans for 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

As the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) concludes 2024, CEO Michael Sheridan shares reflections on a remarkable year for the organization and its global coffee community. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Q Grader program, CQI celebrated the milestone with podcasts, social media campaigns, and in-person events that underscored the legacy of the industry’s premier coffee cupping credential.

The Q Grader community, which now boasts nearly 10,000 members, saw significant growth this year, alongside the expansion of CQI’s Processing Professionals and Instructor networks. Sheridan welcomed three new team members, including T.J. Ryan, who has taken on the role of Director of Mission Engagement. “Welcoming T.J. was like bringing family home,” Sheridan noted. Ryan will spearhead CQI’s project initiatives and the evolving Global Fund, an area poised for greater impact in the coming year.

Global Fund Expansion: Empowering Coffee Communities Worldwide

In its second year of operation, the CQI Global Fund provided nearly $90,000 in cash and in-kind support to seven initiatives across four continents. Highlights include:

  • Mexico: Two grants supported nearly 100 participants, with post-harvest process training and scholarships empowering smallholder farmers and quality control managers. Collaborations included CAFECOL and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance.
  • Ethiopia: CQI worked with women-led companies to certify seven new Q Graders through the Q Combo course.
  • Latin America: The innovative Girlsplaining initiative, led by Assistant Instructor Camila Khalifé, delivered specialized training to women in coffee.
  • United States: Support for NKG PACE program partners included cupping courses and introductory post-harvest processing classes.

Looking ahead, CQI plans to unveil a comprehensive vision for the Global Fund’s future at its 25th Annual Luncheon in April 2025 in Houston.

Celebrating Dedication: Honoring Outgoing Trustees

As 2024 draws to a close, CQI honors the commitment of outgoing trustees who collectively dedicated 96 years of service to the organization. From Ellen Jordan’s 26-year legacy to the fresh perspective of Liz Caselli-Mechael’s two-year tenure, CQI’s success owes much to these visionaries.

A Message of Growth and Gratitude

Sheridan’s year-end message also highlighted plans for 2025, including expanded coffee events, new courses, and continued certification projects, such as the impressive five-fold increase in certified Q Graders in Burundi. As CQI looks to the future, it remains deeply committed to improving coffee quality and the lives of those who produce it.

With deep gratitude for the past and ambitious goals for the future, CQI enters 2025 with renewed energy to strengthen its impact in the global coffee community.