Cup scores, introduced by the Specialty Coffee Association in the 1980s, are a standardized way to rate coffee quality on a scale of 1 to 10 across various sensory categories. While these scores are mainly used within the industry to communicate the quality and progress of coffee offerings, some premium roasters are starting to include them on packaging. The question is whether consumers actually consider these scores when selecting coffee. Industry experts suggest that, while scores do represent quality, they may not align with individual taste preferences, potentially leading consumers to overlook coffees that may suit them better. Other factors like origin, roast profile, and sustainability are also significant to consumers. There's skepticism about the future importance of cup scores on packaging unless a scoring system aligns more closely with consumer preferences.
Don't forget to read Lux Cafe Club's article on cupping scores.
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