What is the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)?
The Specialty Coffee Association, or SCA , is an international organization dedicated to improving quality, sustainability, and knowledge sharing within the specialty coffee industry. Whether you're a coffee farmer, barista, roaster, or simply an avid coffee drinker, the SCA influences your coffee experience. But what exactly does this organization do, and why is it so important?
The origin of the SCA
The SCA was formed through a merger between the American Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE). Both organizations had been working for years to promote high-quality coffee and decided to join forces. The result? A single, strong, global organization dedicated to the entire chain, from bean to cup.
What exactly does the Specialty Coffee Association do?
The SCA develops standards for everything related to specialty coffee, including guidelines for roasting, brewing, and cupping (tasting). The SCA also organizes competitions like the World Barista Championship, develops training programs, and offers support to coffee professionals worldwide.
The SCA Cupping Score: How is specialty coffee rated?
A coffee can only be called " specialty coffee " if it scores 80 points or higher on the SCA cupping scale . This score is determined based on various factors, such as aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste. The higher the score, the more complex and interesting the coffee. This objective system helps measure quality worldwide.
SCA certification for baristas and coffee professionals
The SCA offers an internationally recognized training program for coffee professionals. This includes modules on espresso, filter coffee, sensory analysis, and green coffee. With an SCA certificate, you demonstrate your mastery of the art of coffee. Many specialty coffee bars even explicitly request SCA-trained staff.
The SCA's impact on the specialty coffee chain
The SCA works closely with farmers, importers, roasters, and baristas to promote fair trade, sustainability, and transparency. By sharing knowledge and creating standards, the organization helps strengthen every link in the coffee supply chain. In this way, they contribute to better coffee and improved living conditions for farmers.
Why is the SCA relevant to you as a coffee lover?
If you've ever enjoyed a complex filter coffee or a perfectly balanced espresso, chances are the SCA played an indirect role. Thanks to their commitment to quality and education, you can drink specialty coffee as it was meant to be: pure, honest, and full of flavor.
Coffee Connoisseur and the SCA: a shared passion for quality
At Koffie Kenner, we closely follow the SCA's standards. Many of the roasters we offer are actively involved with the SCA or use their methods. This way, you can be sure you're drinking coffee of the highest quality. We believe that good coffee starts with knowledge, and the SCA symbolizes that.