El Salvador’s Coffee Shines Amid Challenges: Record-Breaking Scores at Cup of Excellence 2024
The most recent Cup of Excellence competition, held on May 28 in El Salvador, marked a historic milestone for the coffee industry. In an extraordinary achievement, ten coffees scored over 90 points, a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by El Salvador’s coffee farmers.
“This is a feat made even more impressive with the challenges that coffee farmers are facing every day. Climate change has made harvesting and planning much more difficult and raised the cost of production,” said Erwin Mierisch, Executive Director for Cup of Excellence.
El Salvador, despite its small size, has consistently been at the forefront of quality and innovation in coffee production. The recent competition scores reflect the country’s dedication and resilience. Farmers in El Salvador have had to adapt to the harsh realities of climate change, which has significantly impacted coffee production. Unpredictable weather patterns, increased temperatures, and irregular rainfall have made it challenging to grow high-quality coffee. Despite these obstacles, El Salvador’s farmers have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and commitment to maintaining high standards.
The final phase of the competition saw an international jury comprising 18 judges meticulously evaluating 40 coffees in three categories: traditional washed and honey, traditional natural, and experimental. The judges, renowned for their expertise and discerning palates, repeatedly scored the coffees to ensure fairness and accuracy. Out of the 40 coffees, 30 were awarded the prestigious Cup of Excellence prize, recognizing the top 10 coffees in each category that scored at least 87 points.
Diego Baraona, representing the Los Pirineos farm, emerged as one of the standout participants, scoring over 90 points in the experimental category. “We are extremely proud of this victory for our farm Los Pirineos! It has been a challenging year for us and good for coffee growing, but this gives us more energy to move forward and overcome all kinds of obstacles,” said Baraona. His achievement underscores the resilience and determination of coffee farmers who continue to strive for excellence despite the numerous challenges they face.
The Cup of Excellence competition not only recognizes the efforts of individual farmers but also highlights the collective progress of El Salvador’s coffee industry. The event serves as a platform for farmers to showcase their best coffees to an international audience, providing them with opportunities for recognition and economic advancement. The winning coffees from the competition will be sold in an online auction on July 18, attracting bidders from around the world. This auction is a significant event for coffee producers, as it offers them a chance to receive fair compensation for their high-quality products and gain access to new markets.
Cup of Excellence, a non-profit organization, owns and manages the annual multi-level competition in coffee-producing countries. Over its 25-year history, it has held competitions in 16 nations, consistently promoting quality and innovation in the coffee industry. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting coffee farmers by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and connect with international buyers.
The success of the recent Cup of Excellence competition in El Salvador is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the country’s coffee farmers. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and other external factors, these farmers have continued to innovate and produce exceptional coffee. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the global coffee community, demonstrating that with determination and resilience, excellence is possible even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the record-breaking scores at the Cup of Excellence competition in El Salvador highlight the country’s position as a leader in quality coffee production. The event not only celebrates the achievements of individual farmers but also underscores the importance of supporting and recognizing the efforts of coffee producers worldwide. As the global coffee community looks forward to the upcoming online auction, the success of El Salvador’s farmers serves as a reminder of the remarkable potential that exists within the coffee industry.
