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BSA Member
Professional Spotlight
WHAT IS Coffee grades are evaluated at
cupping tables, both at farms
THE FUTURE in origin countries and in the

cupping labs of numerous

of Coffee? green importers and thousands
of roasters worldwide.

Tim Sturk, Head of Coffee & Tea at
Aimers, looks at the challenges ahead with Generally, the farmer knows
the big increases in Arabica and Robusta what quality they are
coffee prices. producing, but if there is a
whiff of a higher price to be
If I am completely honest with myself, I gained through grading, then it
am no where near qualified enough to is in the farmer's interest to
answer this question. But like most coffee pursue it. However, as with
industry professionals, I am certainly certifications, there is a cost to
curious. This is THE topic currently at the the farmer, so this might then
forefront for most of us in the coffee be passed on to the importers.
industry. Where are these price rises going,

and how long will they last? There are many myths and
misunderstandings
It is widely acknowledged, and this is what surrounding coffee sourcing
we teach in our SCA (Specialty Coffee that the major coffee players
Association) courses, that coffee has two may be pleased to maintain, as
distinct markets; the Specialty Coffee it boosts sales. However, I
Market and the Commercial Coffee Market, strongly encourage consumers
both are driven by the New York Stock and coffee enthusiasts to do
Exchange Commodities market (C-Price) their homework.
for Arabica ($/lb) and the London Stock
Exchange Commodities market (R-Price)
for Robusta ($/ton).

Specialty uses the NYSE C Price as a
benchmark and is often 20-50% (or more) This is THE topic
higher. Specialty importers and roasters
will then tout their direct trade or sourcing currently at the
relationships as differentiators. However, forefront for most of us
here, the water gets muddy for me and my in the coffee industry.
understanding because many of the large,
global commercial brands also have direct Where are these price
relationships with growing regions, to the
point of owning farms themselves. rises going, and how long
will they last?
So, direct trade does not necessarily mean
Specialty grade, nor do certifications such
as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Soil
Association, UTZ, etc, equate to higher
quality…yet they all command a higher
price.

MARCH/APRIL. 2025 | ISSUE 41