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Specialty coffee is not just a marketing term, but a specific category that meets strict criteria established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). For a coffee to be considered specialty, it must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of 100 during an evaluation. These points are awarded based on criteria such as taste complexity, aroma, sweetness, acidity, and balance.
One of the characteristics of specialty coffee is its traceability. The beans usually come from specific regions and are grown in optimal conditions that highlight their terroir. This attention to origin contributes to better transparency and allows consumers to know exactly where their beans come from. This traceability also strengthens the relationship between producers and buyers, thus promoting fair trade practices.
In the market, the impact of specialty coffee is manifested by a shift in consumer preferences. Coffee enthusiasts are increasingly willing to invest in high-quality beans and prioritize the craftsmanship of producers. As a result, many small farms now benefit from fair compensation for their meticulous work, allowing them to improve their cultivation and processing techniques.
This phenomenon also influences market prices. Being of superior quality and limited quantity, specialty coffee often sells at higher prices. However, for consumers, this additional investment is justified by an enriching taste experience. Thus, specialty coffee encourages the appreciation of coffee as an artisanal product, supporting a more sustainable economy and encouraging innovation in the industry. Ultimately, the rising popularity of specialty coffee seems to have a positive impact both economically and socially, redefining what it means to ‘drink a good coffee’.