CQI Reflects on a Landmark Year and Sets Ambitious Plans for 2025

As the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) concludes 2024, CEO Michael Sheridan shares reflections on a remarkable year for the organization and its global coffee community. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Q Grader program, CQI celebrated the milestone with podcasts, social media campaigns, and in-person events that underscored the legacy of the industry’s premier coffee cupping credential.

The Q Grader community, which now boasts nearly 10,000 members, saw significant growth this year, alongside the expansion of CQI’s Processing Professionals and Instructor networks. Sheridan welcomed three new team members, including T.J. Ryan, who has taken on the role of Director of Mission Engagement. “Welcoming T.J. was like bringing family home,” Sheridan noted. Ryan will spearhead CQI’s project initiatives and the evolving Global Fund, an area poised for greater impact in the coming year.

Global Fund Expansion: Empowering Coffee Communities Worldwide

In its second year of operation, the CQI Global Fund provided nearly $90,000 in cash and in-kind support to seven initiatives across four continents. Highlights include:

• Mexico: Two grants supported nearly 100 participants, with post-harvest process training and scholarships empowering smallholder farmers and quality control managers. Collaborations included CAFECOL and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance.
• Ethiopia: CQI worked with women-led companies to certify seven new Q Graders through the Q Combo course.
• Latin America: The innovative Girlsplaining initiative, led by Assistant Instructor Camila Khalifé, delivered specialized training to women in coffee.
• United States: Support for NKG PACE program partners included cupping courses and introductory post-harvest processing classes.

Looking ahead, CQI plans to unveil a comprehensive vision for the Global Fund’s future at its 25th Annual Luncheon in April 2025 in Houston.

Celebrating Dedication: Honoring Outgoing Trustees

As 2024 draws to a close, CQI honors the commitment of outgoing trustees who collectively dedicated 96 years of service to the organization. From Ellen Jordan’s 26-year legacy to the fresh perspective of Liz Caselli-Mechael’s two-year tenure, CQI’s success owes much to these visionaries.

A Message of Growth and Gratitude

Sheridan’s year-end message also highlighted plans for 2025, including expanded coffee events, new courses, and continued certification projects, such as the impressive five-fold increase in certified Q Graders in Burundi. As CQI looks to the future, it remains deeply committed to improving coffee quality and the lives of those who produce it.

With deep gratitude for the past and ambitious goals for the future, CQI enters 2025 with renewed energy to strengthen its impact in the global coffee community.