Five key pillars are turning the Cup of Excellence into a sturdy bridge between small farmers and coffee lovers worldwide. The contest now rests on transparent judging, traceable farms, strict scoring, clear categories, and an upgraded tech auction. This mix keeps trust high and deals fair for both sides.
The judging starts with 60 local tasters who use blind cupping. They pick the best beans without knowing the farm’s name. Later, judges from 33 countries meet and run three more rounds. Only coffees that score 86 or 87 points move on. A final extra cupping settles the top ten ranking. This long, tidy system gives buyers clear proof of quality. Cup of Excellence is a nonprofit registered as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), and its mission ensures integrity in each country.
Sixty blind cuppings, four judging rounds, one immaculate coffee trail.
Traceability is next. Every winning lot lists the farmer’s name, exact farm spot, processing style, plant type, and lot size. Those topping 90 points earn “Presidential awards.” The data links roasters straight to producers, and farmer relationships grow warmer when real stories travel with the beans. Brazil’s 2023 competition showed these new categories working, separating winners in Experimental, Dry, and Wet tracks.
Last year, new rules split entries into three tracks: dry (natural), wet (washed, honey), and safe test methods. Each group is cupped alone, so several winners can rise. The setup mirrors new tastes and opens doors for more producers.
The Alliance for Coffee Excellence hosts the online auction. It uses V-Auction tech to keep pages fast and bidding honest. Payments flow on time, prices surge past market levels, and farmers bank solid gains.
Buyers return year after year because auction integrity stays rock solid. This cycle lifts living standards in mountain towns across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
The Cup of Excellence proves a simple point: clear rules plus honest tech can shrink distance and keep trust alive.
