Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Sustainability Awards. Since 2004, this program has recognized outstanding work in the field of sustainability, honoring the projects, business models, and individuals dedicated to confronting the coffee industry’s greatest challenges—from climate change to gender equality.

These awards reflect collaborations that span geographies, cultures, and supply-chain roles, aiming to share vital lessons for the benefit of the entire coffee sector. With each passing year, the SCA continues to see greater diversity in how the global community approaches these critical issues.

Award Categories and Eligibility

Nominations are open through January 31, 2026, for the following categories:

  • For-Profit Award: Recognizes for-profit companies that play a pivotal role in industry sustainability. Eligible businesses must have been operating for at least three years. (Note: This is for businesses; individual products or ideas do not qualify).

  • Non-Profit Award: Celebrates non-profit organizations or specific projects advancing sustainability. Eligible organizations or projects must have been operating for at least three years.

A Note on the Individual Award: The SCA is currently reevaluating how to best celebrate individuals across the value chain and has paused the Individual Award until further notice.

A Legacy of Impact: Past Winners (2004–2025)

The 2026 nominees will join an esteemed lineage of pioneers who have shaped the industry:

  • 2025: Fair Trade International (Non-Profit) | Black Baza Coffee Co. (For-Profit)

  • 2024: Root Capital (Non-Profit) | Sancoffee (For-Profit)

  • 2023: José Rivera & David Griswold (Individual) | Root Capital (Non-Profit) | Primavera Green Coffee (For-Profit)

  • 2022: David Browning (Individual) | Jimma Agro-Biodiversity Project (Project) | Caravela Coffee (Business Model)

  • 2021: Michael Sheridan (Individual) | Alto Mayo Landscape Peru REDD+ Project (Project) | Pachamama Coffee Cooperative (Business Model)

  • 2020: Dr. Timothy Schilling (Sustainability Champion) | Las Manos del Café by RGC Coffee (Project) | Cooperative Coffees (Business Model)

  • 2019: Esperanza Dionisio Castillo (Sustainability Champion) | Union Hand-Roasted Coffee (Project) | Agricafe (Business Model)

  • 2015–2018: Notable winners include World Coffee Research, the Guatemalan Coffee Foundation (Funcafé), and the Bukonzo Joint Cooperative Union for their “Gender Action Learning System.”

  • 2004–2014: Early pioneers include Thanksgiving Coffee Company, Twin Trading for “Congo Coffee Revival,” Pueblo a Pueblo, Grounds for Health, Starbucks Coffee Company (C.A.F.E. Practices), and Dean’s Beans.

Submission Details

Potential nominees can find full details on judging criteria, eligibility, and the 2026 prize on the official SCA website. For questions regarding submissions, please contact [email protected].