About SCA
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the largest global coffee trade association dedicated to making coffee better by fostering a global coffee community and supporting activities to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable endeavor for the entire value chain. Through collaboration and progressive approaches, it supports the industry through research, standards, education, and events. Working around the world, the SCA elevates worldwide standards, providing value and connectivity to the growing global community.
Our Purpose
The SCA will foster a global coffee community and support activity to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable activity for the entire value chain.
Our Vision
To create an effective, authentic and dynamic organization to give voice and substance to the possibilities for specialty coffee worldwide.
Our Mission
Engage, inspire, and expand a sustainable global specialty coffee community through leadership in events, education, and research.
Our Strategic Objectives
Make the specialty coffee industry more sustainable with an agenda focused on partnerships, education, research, and advocacy.
Create opportunities for professional engagement and individual growth through our network and programs.
Expand our global network and enhance the experience of our stakeholders by working with local communities.
Deliver outstanding service to members of the global specialty coffee community in everything we do.
The 2023 SCA Annual Report
Last year was an exciting and inspiring year for us at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Throughout 2023, the hard work of many enabled us to engage in research, develop standards, expand education, create events, and design experiences with a global reach—all in service on our continuous journey to fulfill our association’s commitment to make coffee better. Dive in to the newly published 2023 SCA Annual Report. You can also read more about the Annual Report on SCA News.
The Specialty Coffee Association Policy on Indirect Overhead Costs in Research
It is the policy of the Specialty Coffee Association, a non-profit based in the state of California, that no indirect overhead costs are to be paid when sponsoring research.
History of the Specialty Coffee Association
Established in January 2017 as a result of the unification of the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, the SCA combines rich histories on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world. The former Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) was established in 1982 by a small group of coffee professionals seeking a common forum to discuss issues and set quality standards for the specialty coffee trade. The former Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) was formed at a meeting of representatives of the European coffee community in London in 1998. By 2016, both organizations had close to 10,000 members combined and supported a thriving network of volunteer-led chapters across Europe.