In a landmark move for the global specialty coffee industry, the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially adopt the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) as the national protocol for evaluating Brazilian specialty coffee. This decision marks a major step toward enhancing quality standards, transparency, and educational access across Brazil—the world’s largest coffee producer.
Following in the footsteps of Colombia, Brazil becomes the second country to formally integrate the CVA into its national evaluation framework. The CVA, developed by the SCA, redefines how coffee is assessed by incorporating not only flavor but also physical, emotional, descriptive, and contextual attributes—offering a more holistic and equitable system for determining coffee value.
As part of the agreement, the BSCA will lead the nationwide implementation of CVA protocols, in close collaboration with the SCA. This includes training coffee graders, cuppers, and quality control professionals in CVA methodologies. The SCA will provide technical support, assist in data analysis, and contribute to BSCA-led events with content and international promotion.
The MoU also emphasizes the expansion of SCA Education in Brazil, making internationally recognized training and certifications more accessible to Brazilian coffee professionals—from producers and cuppers to roasters and exporters. This initiative aims to elevate professional skills and empower coffee workers across Brazil’s diverse growing regions.
“This MoU reflects our shared vision of Brazil as a global leader in specialty coffee,” said Vinicius Estrela, Executive Director of BSCA. “By adopting the Coffee Value Assessment and expanding access to quality education, we are creating meaningful opportunities for our producers while driving innovation in how the world evaluates coffee.”
Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, echoed this sentiment: “Brazil’s endorsement of the Coffee Value Assessment sends a powerful message to the global coffee sector. This partnership with BSCA helps lay the groundwork for a more transparent, inclusive, and data-informed coffee industry.”
Brazil’s decision to adopt the CVA underscores its leadership in specialty coffee innovation. With its vast range of terroirs and microclimates, Brazil is uniquely positioned to benefit from CVA’s multidimensional approach to coffee evaluation. This framework not only improves quality grading and market communication but also empowers producers to better showcase the value of their coffee to global buyers.
The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between BSCA and SCA, further aligning Brazil’s coffee practices with internationally recognized standards and positioning Brazilian coffee for even greater success on the world stage.
To learn more about the implementation of the Coffee Value Assessment in Brazil, visit www.sca.coffee and www.bsca.com.br.