The Coffee Systems Map

What is the Coffee Systems Map?

The SCA Coffee Systems Map arose from the systems change thinking and methodologies that guided the work of the SCA's Price Crisis Response Initiative. A systems approach shifts the focus from the individual parts of a system to how the parts are organized, recognizing that the interactions of the parts are not static, but dynamic and fluid. This approach also acknowledges that change is non-linear and happens at multiple levels over multiple time scales.

This map outlines the relationships between key actors and actions in the specialty coffee industry, thereby illustrating the complexity of this global value-generating ecosystem, while recognizing previously invisible actors and telling multiple stories.

The central column of the map depicts the most recognizable activities of a specialty coffee value chain. Each activity corresponds to a primary actor, the (English) names of which often mirror the verb—farming is done by farmers, roasting by roasters—but may also involve other actors. Sometimes the same actor is involved in multiple activities.

The outer ring of the map depicts additional actors who facilitate coffee's journey and the stages of its transformation.

Learn More

SCA News

Ep #4 Brewing & Roasting - Systems Map Discussion Series

In the final episode of the Systems Map Discussion Series, we look at brewing and roasting with coffee professionals working in these activities. You can watch the video recording here.

Ep #3 Importing - Systems Map Discussion Series

Last week we looked at all things exporting in episode #2 of our new discussion series. This week it's time to explore the other side of the coin—importing! Join us for the latest episode in our series about the Coffee Systems Map.

Ep #2 Exporting - Systems Map Discussion Series

Episode #2 of the Systems Map Discussion Series is all about exporting. Through these conversations we hope to better illuminate the various relationships and gaps in our awareness, ultimately leading to a better understanding of how the entire coffee system works and who it works for.

Ep #1 Farming & Producing - Systems Map Discussion Series

To dig deeper into the Systems Map and the various connections it explores, we're launching a discussion series organized around the central activities of the map — beginning with farming and processing.

Announcing A Systems Map Discussion Series

Join us for a brand new discussion series exploring the central activities in the coffee value chain.

A Coffee Value Chain Systems Map

This map outlines the relationships between key actors and actions in the specialty coffee industry and in doing so illustrates the complexity of this global value-generating ecosystem, while recognizing previously invisible actors and telling multiple stories.

Mapping the Complex: Designing a Map of the Global Coffee Sector – 25 Magazine, Issue 11

It’s been one year since the SCA set up the Price Crisis Response (PCR) Initiative, a one-year project tasked with producing a report of recommendations on both short- and long-term actions we can take to alleviate the crisis.

Where Can I Purchase the Coffee Systems Map?

The Coffee Systems Map can be purchased in the SCA Store. Click here get a digital file of the map; print versions forthcoming.

Actions

Brewing: Using water to extract flavor from roasted and ground coffee seeds in the preparation of the beverage
Exporting: Arranging coffee's departure from its country of origin, including coordinating logistics and absorbing financial risk
Farming: Planting, tending, and harvesting coffee seeds from coffee trees
Importing: Receiving coffee in its destination country, including coordinating logistics and absorbing financial risk
Processing: Preparing coffee seeds for stable transportation and storage
Roasting: Applying heat to coffee seeds to increase solubility and develop flavors that make them palatable to humans

Actors

Allied Industries create products and services that support actors and activities

Auditors ensure compliance of actors with standards and regulation
Brokers facilitate discovery and sales between actors who seek to exchange goods and services
Coffee Drinkers consume coffee beverages
Financial Institutions provide credit, liquidity, and other financial services (e.g., banks)
Future Traders buy and sell coffee contracts to manage risk
Government Agencies protect, support, and regulate activities
Insurance Companies help actors to manage financial risk
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) builds and operates technology that provides market information to actors; hosts venues for community trading
Media contributes to the public image of actors, activities, and products

Mills perform various post-harvest processing activities, including the removal of fruit, skin, and husks as well as drying and sorting
Nongovernmental Organizations fulfill needs not served by private or public sector actors
Producers transform land and sunlight into coffee (e.g., farmers, washing station owners)
Research Institutions investigate questions relevant to coffee actors and activities
Retailers supply coffee products to consumers
Skilled Labor performs tasks required to execute activities (e.g., farm workers, baristas)
Standards and Certifications create, monitor, and promote codes and definitions (e.g., Organic)
Storage Facilities protect and organize goods; maintain physical space between activities
Transportation Companies convey coffee and actors between activities
Waste is generated by every actor and activity

Usage Guidelines

The Coffee Systems Map is licensed for use under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). The only exception to the non-commercial use term is that the Systems Map may be used within a book, with attribution per the terms of the License, so long as the book isn't primarily about the Systems Map. For more information pertaining to book publishing, please contact Pernilla Gard at pernillag@sca.coffee. For more information about the Creative Commons License pertaining to the Systems Map, please click here.

It is the SCA's goal to provide translated versions of the Systems Map to our major areas of membership around the world. All translation development work must be led by the SCA, and goes through a review process to ensure accurate translations. If you would like to request that a language be considered for a future poster, please contact pernillag@sca.coffee. Trade restrictions between the US and Iran prohibits the SCA from developing a Farsi language poster at this time for distribution in Iran, and also from authorizing any licensing options for Iranian distribution. Per the Creative Commons license carried by the Systems Map, unauthorized translations of the poster may not be distributed.