SCAA’s Coffee Standards

The Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) Coffee Standards are guidelines that define high-quality coffee. They set criteria for how coffee beans are grown, harvested, processed, and graded, focusing on flavor, aroma, and appearance. These standards help ensure that coffee labeled as “specialty” meets consistent quality benchmarks, emphasizing freshness, cleanliness, and distinctive flavors. By adhering to these standards, producers and roasters aim to deliver a superior coffee experience that is reliably consistent, supporting fair practices and transparency throughout the coffee supply chain.