Trending
Share With Your Friends
Picture this: that first sip of coffee on a chilly Monday morning—priceless, right? Well, turns out, in the world of specialty coffee, a lot of people can put a price on that experience. Enter the ‘Colombia, Land of Diversity’ competition, a unique event that’s shaking up how we perceive and score exceptional coffee.
In a landscape dominated by the Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) rating system, the ‘Land of Diversity’ competition stands out as a beacon of innovation. Spearheaded by our very own Head of Coffee, Will, this contest emerged from a collaboration with the San Isidro group of farms in Colombia, including Buenos Aires, El Cairo, and Casa Loma. The idea took root during Will’s early days of direct sourcing for Pact Coffee, when he met with FNC representative Esteban.
The mission was clear: create a competition focused not just on quality, but on relevance to the market. Unlike traditional scoring methods that sometimes inflate scores or overlook critical market preferences, ‘Land of Diversity’ introduced a nuanced scoring system. This system, influenced by Pact’s internal evaluation practices, considers specific attributes like flavor, mouthfeel, sweetness, body, balance, and acidity on a detailed five-point scale. It ensures that a coffee’s overall score reflects its suitability for diverse consumer tastes, not just its overall numerical rating.
The competition kicks off with an impressive array of coffee lots—over 680 from various producers, each bought at market price plus a premium to incentivize quality. These lots undergo meticulous cupping at local Almacafés, where specialists determine their potential to meet specialty grade standards. From this rigorous selection process, only 47 lots make it to the next stage—a testament to Colombia’s rich coffee diversity.
Next, a panel of judges, led by Will and his team, narrows down the field to the top 20 coffees based on traditional SCA scoring criteria. But here’s where the magic happens: these finalists are then evaluated using the bespoke ‘Land of Diversity’ scoring system. This system focuses on five distinct categories—exotic flavors, acidity, body, mildness, and balance—to identify the most exceptional coffees that align perfectly with consumer preferences in different markets.
What sets ‘Land of Diversity’ apart isn’t just its scoring innovation; it’s the ripple effect it creates throughout the coffee industry. Winning coffees aren’t just celebrated; they’re auctioned off to buyers who appreciate not only their high scores but their suitability for specific markets. This approach fosters long-term relationships between buyers and farmers, ensuring that high-quality coffees find their way back to consumers who appreciate them most.
At The Coffee Blog (TCB), we’re not just observers; we’re enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the stories and innovations that shape the coffee world. The ‘Land of Diversity’ competition embodies our commitment to transparency, quality, and ethical sourcing. By supporting competitions like these, coffee lovers contribute to a sustainable and vibrant industry where farmers receive fair compensation for their exceptional crops.
Explore Specialty Coffees: Look for coffees that participate in competitions like ‘Land of Diversity’. These coffees often represent the pinnacle of quality and innovation in the industry.
Support Direct Trade: Opt for brands that prioritize direct relationships with farmers. This ensures fair prices and fosters sustainable farming practices.
Learn About Coffee Scoring: Educate yourself on different coffee scoring systems and how they impact the industry. Understanding these nuances empowers you to make informed coffee choices.
Subscribe to TCB: Stay updated with the latest insights, competition highlights, and exclusive offers by subscribing to our newsletter. Join our community of coffee enthusiasts and be the first to discover new articles, guides, and reviews.
As we celebrate the achievements of the ‘Land of Diversity’ competition, we invite you to join us in championing excellence in coffee. Every sip of specialty coffee is not just a moment of enjoyment—it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of farmers, roasters, and coffee lovers worldwide. Together, we can brew a brighter future for coffee, one exceptional cup at a time.
Subscribe Now to The Coffee Blog’s newsletter and embark on a journey of discovery, flavor, and sustainability in the world of coffee. Let’s raise our mugs to quality, diversity, and the pursuit of exceptional coffee experiences.
