The language of specialty coffee: Is it still relevant?
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed...
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January 3, 2024
The language of specialty coffee: Is it still relevant?
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed the industry forever. Over the ensuing decades, we have come to define specialty coffee even more rigorously – largely using the Specialty Coffee Association’s 100-point quality scale. Our definitions, however, are not just technical. More holistic terms like “sustainable”, “traceable”, “transparent”, and “direct trade” are… read more
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed the industry forever. Over the ensuing decades, we have come to define specialty coffee even… read more
Coffee flavour notes should be exciting, but they still need to be accurate
Tasting notes play an important role in specialty coffee. Not only do they help guide consumers’ flavour expectations, but they can also allow roasters to...
Judging coffee competitions is challenging – and organisers need to recognise that
As an industry, when we talk about coffee championships, our focus is often towards the competitors. And rightly so – these coffee professionals can end...
Do coffee trade shows actually benefit smaller businesses?
Every year, it seems there are more and more coffee trade shows popping up around the world. And the industry as a whole loves to...
What is Px coffee?
For many of us, drinking too much coffee can lead to a number of problems – ranging from shaky hands, a rapid heart rate, and...
Can coffee trucks be profitable for operators?
When we think of coffee shops, brick and mortar cafés usually spring to mind first. These businesses have a physical presence in buildings, and therefore...
How is specialty coffee evolving outside of more established markets?
For some time now, specialty coffee has been booming in popularity around the globe. The rise in consumption is driven by many factors, including the...
What’s next for the World AeroPress Championship?
Competitions are some of the most exciting and innovative events in the coffee industry. Every year, many of us eagerly wait to find out who...
Is specialty coffee starting to embrace fully-automatic espresso machines?
There’s a reason why both businesses and consumers invest in fully-automatic coffee machines: unparalleled convenience. These machines can grind, tamp, and extract coffee at the...
How can the coffee industry support communities in Maui?
In early August 2023, a number of wildfires broke out in Hawaii – predominantly on the island of Maui. Referred to as “the Hawaii Firestorm”...
How have coffee competitions changed in recent years?
Many events take place in the coffee industry every year, but none are arguably more exciting than competitions. With a growing number of championships and...
Why is it so important to host educational events in coffee-producing countries?
Every year, a rapidly growing number of events take place in the global coffee industry. These range from traditional trade shows to high-level competitions to...
Do the Barista and Coffee Roasters Guilds benefit the specialty coffee sector?
There are many organisations and non-profits which support and strengthen the specialty coffee sector. One of the most prominent is the Specialty Coffee Association –...
Why are Colombian coffees becoming so popular at the World Barista Championship?
The World Barista Championship has long been a platform to showcase some of the world’s most interesting and unique coffees. In recent years, we’ve seen...
How difficult is it to open a roastery after being a head roaster?
Like many other seasoned coffee professionals, head roasters have to spend years honing their skills and knowledge to reach their level of expertise. So eventually,...
How often do Q graders need to recertify?
Many coffee professionals choose to become Q graders for a number of reasons. Whether it’s to know more about sourcing green coffee or achieving more...