Dubai, 13 August 2025 (Qahwa World) — The global coffee industry is set for a historic transformation as the Q Grader Program, the benchmark certification for coffee quality evaluation, adopts the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) framework under the leadership of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
From October 1, 2025, the SCA will take over program operations from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), retiring the 2004 cupping protocol that has defined quality standards for over two decades. The move marks a significant shift toward a more holistic approach to coffee evaluation, placing equal emphasis on physical, sensory, cultural, and personal perception attributes.
Why the Change Matters
The 2004 protocol—built on objective scoring for aroma, flavor, body, and other measurable traits—has long been a trusted tool. However, industry leaders argue it underrepresents extrinsic factors such as origin, processing method, certifications, and producer stories, which increasingly influence market value.
Introduced in 2023, the CVA integrates four dimensions of assessment:
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Physical Attributes — Objective evaluation of green coffee quality.
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Extrinsic Attributes — Market-relevant factors such as terroir, certifications, and narratives.
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Affective Attributes — The cupper’s personal impression on a 100-point scale.
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Descriptive Attributes — Detailed sensory profiling of flavor and aroma.
By including these dimensions, the CVA reflects a coffee’s complete market value—not just its chemical or physical characteristics.
Impact on Q Graders
All current and former Arabica and Robusta Q Graders must complete the CVA for Cuppers conversion course by December 31, 2025 to maintain certification. The course, lasting two days, is designed to help graders transition smoothly to the new framework.
From 2026 onward, only the six-day Evolved Q Course will lead to certification. Missing the conversion deadline means starting the process from scratch.
Industry Reactions
“The CVA acknowledges that coffee quality is more than chemistry—it’s culture, craftsmanship, and context,” said Thomas Haigh, Specialty Coffee Merchant and Arabica Q Grader since 2015.
Producers, particularly in origin countries, see the shift as an opportunity to highlight unique practices and secure better recognition for their efforts. Roasters and green buyers anticipate richer, more nuanced data for sourcing decisions.
Key Transition Dates
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October 1, 2025 — SCA takes over Q Grader Program; CVA becomes standard.
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December 31, 2025 — Last day for Q Graders to complete CVA for Cuppers conversion course.
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From 2026 — Six-day Evolved Q Course becomes the only certification route.
Looking Ahead
The adoption of the CVA is more than an administrative change—it represents an industry-wide realignment toward recognizing both intrinsic and extrinsic value in coffee. While some professionals may resist altering a long-trusted system, others view this as an essential evolution to meet the demands of a more globalized and story-driven specialty market.
