- Specialty coffee
"Specialty coffee" was first used in 1974 by Erna Knutsen in an issue of "Tea & Coffee Trade Journal". Knutsen used this term to describe beans of the best flavor which are produced in special microclimates.
Specialty coffee is the term commonly used to refer to "gourmet" or "premium" coffee. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), coffee which scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded "specialty". Specialty coffees are grown in special and ideal climates, and are distinctive because of their full cup taste and little to none defects. The unique flavors and tastes are a result of the special characteristics and composition of the soils in which they are produced.
The specialty segment is the most rapidly growing portion of the coffee industry. In the U.S., specialty coffee has increased its market share from 1% to 20% in the last 25 years. [Lingle, T: The State of the Specialty Coffee Industry, Tea and Coffee Trade Journal, July, 2007 [http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/food-manufacturing-food-coffee-tea/4510403-1.html] Retrieved
2008-08-08 ]To promote and self-regulate the industry, growers, exporters, roasters, retailers and equipment suppliers have established trade associations. These associations exist in both coffee-consuming and producing countries.
Associations in consuming countries
Specialty Coffee Association of America [ [http://www.scaa.org/] Retrieved on2008-08-12 ]Specialty Coffee Association of Europe [ [http://www.scae.com/] Retrieved on2008-08-12 ]Specialty Coffee Association of Japan [ [http://www.scaj.org/] Retrieved on2008-08-12 ]New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association [ [http://www.nzcra.org.nz/] Retrieved on2008-08-12 ]Singapore Coffee Association [ [http://www.singaporecoffee.org/] Retrieved on2008-08-12 ]AustralAsian Specialty Coffee Association [ [http://www.aasca.com/] Retrieved on2008-08-12 ]Associations in producing and consuming countries
Specialty Coffee Association of Bolivia
Brazil Specialty Coffee Association [ [http://www.bsca.com.br/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Colombian Coffee Federation [ [http://www.juanvaldez.com] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica [ [http://www.scacr.com/en/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]East African Fine Coffees Association [ [http://www.eafca.org/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Itzalco Fine Coffee Association of El Salvador [ [http://www.itzalcocoffee.com/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Specialty Coffee Association of India [ [http://www.scaindia.org/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia [ [http://www.sca-indo.org/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Asociación de Cafes Especiales de Nicaragua
Association of Special Coffees of Panama [ [http://www.panamaspecialtycoffee.com/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa [ [http://http://www.scasa.co.za/] Retrieved on
2008-08-12 ]References
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