Chris Kornman on the hidden biases shaping every coffee cupping: how context, neighboring cups, and ritual influence sensory evaluation — and where the SCA CVA falls short.
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Qonclave, or: Nobody Expects the SCA Acquisition
By Evan Gilman, Creative Director, Indonesia Green Buying Team, CQI Arabica Quality Evaluation Instructor Article Summary: Royal Coffee’s Evan Gilman reflects on the abrupt handover of the Coffee Quality Institute’s (CQI) Quality Evaluation program to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a...
Royal Coffee Addis Ababa
Explore Royal Coffee’s state-of-the-art QC lab in Addis Ababa—with an efficient and experienced team discovering Ethiopia’s best specialty coffee.
Understanding the Impact of New Tariffs on Coffee Imports
Editor's Note: The White House is clarifying that Trump’s announcement of a 90-day tariff “pause” means that the “tariff level will be brought down to a universal 10% tariff” during that time, while “negotiations are ongoing.” Article Summary: Max Nicholas-Fulmer breaks down the new U.S. import...
International Women’s Day #shesthebuyer
Celebrating International Women’s Day #shesthebuyer This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible women who help connect exceptional coffees with roasters around the world. From navigating wild harvest seasons to forming deep connections with producers, each of these...
The Rise of Specialty Coffee
The Rise of Specialty Coffee The Origin of Specialty Coffee The phrase “specialty coffee” is usually attributed to the progressive and outspoken coffee importer Erna Knutsen, in a 1973 interview published in the Tea and Coffee Trade Journal. Her evolution in the coffee industry is intricately...
Brazilian Exports, Global Logistics, and the C Market
Time Keeps on Slipping…into the Future The C Market is finally starting to come under some selling pressure, but there is still a large area of support at the 215.00 to 220.00 area. It would be premature to assume the market can or should break much lower than that in the near term. Remember: we...
Best of Panama Drops a Bombshell
You’ve maybe heard the news by now, and maybe even seen the statement issued by the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) and the Best of Panama (BOP) competition and auction. Multiple coffees were disqualified this year for employing techniques that were “altered from their natural DNA...
How Long Do Green Coffee Beans Last?
Unroasted, green coffee is an agricultural commodity, and specialty coffee buyers typically treat specialty quality coffee as a seasonal product with a finite shelf life. While opinions may differ on best practices, there are a few guiding principles to keep in mind when considering your green...
22 Lb Crown Jewel Summer Update
22 Lb Crown Jewel Summer Update Hey there, coffee buyers! Since our last update, lots of coffees have been moving, and we’re very excited about what’s in store and on the way. Here’s an update on upcoming Crown Jewels to keep your eyes on... Upcoming Releases: We've been anxiously awaiting...
Updated: 2024 Red Sea Logistics Update
Royal Coffee’s Inbound Traffic Specialist, Jodi Louws, shares her thoughts on the recent disruptions in the Red Sea and implications for coffee pricing and availability. Summary: Attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea have caused shipping companies to reroute around the southern tip of...
2024 Ethiopia Crown Jewel Inventory Update
I can’t tell you how relieved I am to be gazing into a future flush with fresh coffee arrivals. I’ve been busy elbowing my way onto cupping tables and bidding on coffees in a bit of a strategy change for the Crown Jewel program. I wanted to let you know specifically about our Ethiopia shipping...
Specialty Green Coffee Cupping Series: Feb 22, 2024
by Isabella Vitaliano Welcome to our Specialty Green Coffee Cupping Series on Thursdays where we highlight recent arrivals. We select several coffees to cup at The Crown and provide more in-depth tasting notes, coffee background, and usage recommendations 31999 Nicaragua FT-FLO/USA Organic Alto De...
FAF, the Environmental Fortress Farm and the Other Brazil
Publisher's note: Despite the default impression of Brazil as being dominated by large, mechanized farms, about half of the country’s coffee farmers are small, family-managed operations who process at home and sell to local growers’ organizations to earn their living. This is the story of the...
Specialty Green Coffee Cupping Series: Feb 8, 2024
by Isabella Vitaliano Welcome to our Specialty Green Coffee Cupping Series on Thursdays where we highlight recent arrivals. We select several coffees to cup at The Crown and provide more in-depth tasting notes, coffee background, and usage recommendations 31860 Peru FT-FLO/USA Organic Amazonas...