Discovering the Cup of Excellence can change how you enjoy coffee. This prestigious competition identifies and celebrates the best coffees globally, impacting producers, buyers, and coffee lovers alike. Since its inception in the late 1990s, it has transformed the coffee industry by highlighting quality and fair pricing for farmers.
• The Cup of Excellence began as a way to help coffee farmers receive fair prices for their high-quality beans.
• Producers submit their best coffees, which are judged on flavor, aroma, and other factors through a multi-stage process.
• Only coffees scoring above 87 points make it to the final auction, where they can sell for over $50 per pound.
• Winning coffees gain recognition and help farmers break the cycle of poverty by connecting them with direct-trade partnerships.
This competition matters because it raises coffee quality standards worldwide. It ensures that exceptional coffees are recognized and enjoyed by consumers, while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers. The Cup of Excellence is not just a competition; it is a movement that enhances the entire coffee experience.
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