Association
Specialty Coffee Association
Official WebsiteThe Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the leading trade association for specialty coffee professionals worldwide, formed in January 2017 by the merger of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA, founded 1982) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE, founded 1998). I regard the SCA as the definitive authority on specialty coffee standards, education, and competition, representing more than 30,000 members across 150 countries. The SCA maintains the industry standard definition of specialty coffee: coffee scoring 80 points or above on the SCA Cupping Form, evaluated by certified Q Graders using standardized protocols.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the leading trade association for specialty coffee professionals worldwide, formed in January 2017 by the merger of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA, founded 1982) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE, founded 1998). I regard the SCA as the definitive authority on specialty coffee standards, education, and competition, representing more than 30,000 members across 150 countries. The SCA maintains the industry standard definition of specialty coffee: coffee scoring 80 points or above on the SCA Cupping Form, evaluated by certified Q Graders using standardized protocols.
About
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the leading trade association for specialty coffee professionals worldwide, formed in January 2017 by the merger of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA, founded 1982) and the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE, founded 1998). I regard the SCA as the definitive authority on specialty coffee standards, education, and competition, representing more than 30,000 members across 150 countries. The SCA maintains the industry standard definition of specialty coffee: coffee scoring 80 points or above on the SCA Cupping Form, evaluated by certified Q Graders using standardized protocols. The Coffee Skills Program, the SCA's flagship education initiative, offers certifications across five modules: Introduction to Coffee, Barista Skills, Brewing, Green Coffee, and Sensory Skills, with more than 100 Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs) delivering courses globally. The SCA also organizes the World Coffee Championships, including the World Barista Championship, World Brewers Cup, World Coffee Roasting Championship, World Latte Art Championship, and World Cup Tasters Championship, which collectively draw competitors from over 60 nations. According to SCA market data, the global specialty coffee market was valued at approximately 35 billion USD in 2022 and is projected to exceed 85 billion USD by 2030.
Role in Coffee
Sets industry standards for coffee quality, brewing, and education. Organizes the World Coffee Championships. Provides certifications including Q Grader and the Coffee Skills Program.
Key Initiatives
- •Coffee Skills Program
- •Q Grader Certification
- •World Coffee Championships
- •Sustainability Framework
- •Coffee Price Risk Management
Details
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- United States
Related Book Chapters
- Chapter 14: Industry Standards
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Keith E. Lyons
Author, Researcher & Coffee Educator
Keith E. Lyons is the author of The Complete World of Coffee and the publisher behind Lyons Den Publishing. A licensed trauma therapist turned specialty coffee writer, Keith blends scientific rigor with genuine passion for the craft of coffee.
Last Reviewed
August 11, 2026
Sources & References
(8)Claims are cited to verifiable sources. Peer-reviewed research is marked.
- 1Specialty Coffee Association. SCA Cupping Protocols and Scoring Standards. 2022. https://sca.coffee/research/protocols-best-practices
- 2Specialty Coffee Association. Coffee Skills Program Curriculum Guide. 2023. https://sca.coffee/education/coffee-skills-program
- 3Specialty Coffee Association. World Coffee Championships Overview. 2023. https://sca.coffee/programs-events/world-coffee-championships
- 4Specialty Coffee Association. Sustainability Framework: A Framework for the Specialty Coffee Industry. 2022. https://sca.coffee/research/sustainability-framework
- 5International Coffee Organization. Coffee Development Report 2023. 2023. https://www.ico.org/documents/cy-2022-23/coffee-development-report-2023.pdf
- 6USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Coffee: World Markets and Trade. 2023. https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/coffee-world-markets-and-trade
- 7Lingle, T.R. The Coffee Cupper's Handbook: Systematic Guide to the Sensory Evaluation of Coffee Flavor. 4th ed. Specialty Coffee Association of America. 2011.
- 8International Trade Centre. The Coffee Exporter's Guide. 3rd ed. ITC. 2021. https://www.intracen.org/publication/Coffee-Exporters-Guide/
Authoritative References
Editorial Standards
- • Fact-checked against peer-reviewed coffee science research and industry standards.
- • Reviewed by the author with documented sources for every factual claim.
- • Updated regularly; the "Last Reviewed" date reflects the most recent verification.
- • Corrections are made promptly when new research or evidence emerges.
Our editorial process prioritizes accuracy, scientific rigor, and practical relevance for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Publisher
Lyons Den Publishing · Founded 2025 · San Diego, CA
Contact
lyonsdenpublishers@gmail.com