Into the World of Specialty Coffee
Specialty coffee represents the highest quality standard in the coffee industry today. These exquisite coffee beans are grown in exceptional climates, delivering aromas and flavours that delight coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Specialty coffee has become a rising trend, captivating the hearts of those who seek more than just caffeine in their cup. But what makes these beans so special, and how are they evaluated? Let’s dive in to uncover the fascinating story of speciality coffee.
The Specialty Coffee Association and Its Mission
The foundation for specialty coffee’s high standards was established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This nonprofit organisation is dedicated to sharing knowledge, fostering a global coffee community, and promoting sustainability within the industry. Through their efforts, specialty coffee has grown into a worldwide movement, benefiting the entire coffee value chain—from farmers to consumers.
Specialty coffee's roots can be traced back to the 1970s in the United States and Canada when the trend of artisan roasting began to emerge. Alongside this, coffee enthusiasts embraced brewing tools and coffee-focused publications. Yet, it wasn’t until 1982 that specialty coffee gained recognition with the formation of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. In 2017, the American and European associations merged to form the SCA, marking a turning point for specialty coffee worldwide. Their mission is clear: to develop a sustainable coffee industry where quality and people are prioritized over sheer volume.
What Defines Specialty Coffee?
You might think that the final product—the coffee’s taste—determines its specialty status. While flavour is key, creating specialty coffee requires meticulous effort and harmony at every stage of production. The journey of a specialty coffee bean involves countless hands and tremendous dedication: farmers, buyers, processors, transporters, roasters, distributors, and, finally, the consumers themselves.
Specialty coffee is scored on a 100-point scale set by the SCA, with beans earning a minimum of 80 points to qualify. Evaluation occurs in two stages:
Green Bean Assessment: Beans are inspected for size uniformity, moisture content, and the absence of defects like stones or irregular shapes.
Flavour Profiling through Cupping: This process evaluates aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, and cleanliness in the cup.
Only the finest beans, cultivated and processed with care, earn the coveted title of "specialty coffee."
Why is Specialty Coffee Gaining Popularity?
In countries like Thailand and Singapore, specialty coffee is already a well-loved trend. Europe has embraced it wholeheartedly, and Vietnam is catching up, striving to produce and share high-quality coffee with the world. The shift toward specialty coffee is part of a broader effort to prioritize sustainability and quality over quantity in coffee production.
For coffee lovers, specialty coffee offers more than just a caffeine fix. It invites you to savour the story behind the cup—the rich flavours, the craftsmanship of brewing, and the human connection that runs through the entire coffee value chain. It is this respect for the people and processes involved that makes specialty coffee truly special.
A Glimpse into Vietnam’s Specialty Coffee Scene
Vietnam is making significant strides in the specialty coffee industry. During a visit to the Sơn Pacamara Coffee Farm in Da Lat, I witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication of coffee farmers. From identifying ripe coffee cherries to understanding how each bean contributes to a perfect cup, the journey was inspiring. These farmers are not just growing coffee; they are cultivating a culture of excellence.
Specialty coffee isn’t just about flavour; it’s also about the benefits it offers—boosting energy, improving memory, and enhancing productivity. When you appreciate the effort behind every bean, your enjoyment of that cup becomes profoundly rewarding.
The Future of Specialty Coffee
As we move forward, two clear trends emerge:
Continuous Improvement in Coffee Quality: From farming to brewing, the pursuit of excellence in every stage of coffee production is relentless.
Evolving Consumer Tastes: More people, especially younger generations, are delving into the world of specialty coffee—not just for the love of the drink but also to honour the hard work behind it.
Specialty coffee has become more than a beverage; it’s a bridge connecting farmers, roasters, baristas, and consumers in a shared appreciation for quality and sustainability.
So, the next time you enjoy a specialty coffee, take a moment to reflect on the journey it took to reach your cup. That sip will taste even better when you understand the story behind it.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of specialty coffee—one bean, one brew, and one story at a time.
