The Q Coffee System, developed by the CQI, is an internationally recognized grading system for evaluating green coffee quality.
The Q creates a common language for quality, giving buyers and sellers a more objective way of communicating and providing valuable feedback to producers.
Using protocol developed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and employing professionally accredited coffee cuppers, Q Graders, the Q provides an independent analysis of green coffee, including its physical attributes and cup profile. The product is literally a picture of cup quality, click here to view an example.
While there are many variables in roasting and brewing that affect the taste of coffee, the Q symbol confirms that the beans used are among the highest quality in the world and increasingly, roasters and retailers are using Q Certified Coffees to demonstrate their commitment to quality.
The Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica has become an ICP (in country partner) of the CQI to develop this Q Coffee System.
The Q Certificate is a tool that will give your coffee an added value as well as quality assurance. Once the exporter and the buyer agrees to take a lot Q Certify, should be sent to the Fine Coffees Association representantita a sample batch of 1.5 kg and the registration form completed. (See Form).
Fine Coffees Association convenes three tasters Q, which makes an evaluation to show green, tan, moisture and cup.
Here are the parameters to meet for coffee that is certified as Q.
| Assessment of the Q Certificate | |||
| TYPE OF EVALUATION | Q GRADE / SPECIALTY | Q GRADE / PREMIUM | BELOW Q GRADER |
| CUP | 85 or more | 80 – 84.99 | less than 80 |
| GREEN | 0 primary defects and no more than 5 secondary defects | No more than 8 defects including primary and secondary | More than 8 defets including primary and secondary |
| ROASTED | 0 Quakers | No more than 3 Quakers | More than 3 Quakers |
Note: To the coffee be Q Certified, you must obtain a minimum Class Grade Q / Premium. In the case that the specimen is under this category shall not be certified, only a single sheet with the results.
For lots of 250 bags or more, the exporter must pay $ 1.00 per hundredweight exported. For lots with less than 250 bags, the exporter must pay $ 250.00, per sample. The samples that are below the classification of Q, must pay $ 80.00.
Q Certified Coffees are coffees that have been evaluated by the CQI and the Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica and which has successfully met the minimum requirements for green, roasted, and cup quality as outlined by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA).
A Q Certificate should accompany any coffee promoted and or sold as Q or Q Certified.
For more information please enter www.coffeeinstitute.org or send an email to Noelia Villalobos – noelia@scacr.com
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