Cup of Excellence: the coffee podium

In the main coffee-producing countries, each harvest culminates in a challenge: the Cup of Excellence, where only a few lots measure up.

To enter, a coffee must score above 87 points in blind tastings by local and international judges. And not many succeed.

In recent years, the system has evolved: now, competition is based on processing method — washed, honey, natural…— which highlights the technical work and decisions behind each cup. Every finalist coffee comes with a name, surname, altitude, variety, and farm. Nothing is hidden.

The best (usually between 24 and 30 coffees) go to an electronic auction where they fetch much higher prices than in the traditional market. Each pound auctioned comes with traceability and recognition. The money goes to the producer. The prestige, too.

More than 90 points? That's another league. Complexity, cleanliness, sweetness, and character that leaves a lasting impression.

This is no ordinary competition. It is the most respected quality standard in the coffee world.

We cannot conclude without mentioning two friendly and well-known families in this competition: the Alvarados from Corazón de Jesús (Costa Rica) and the Cotos from El Platanillo (Guatemala). These photos belong to them.