Announcing the 2025 SCA Annual Report

TO OUR MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND PARTNERS:  

2025 marked both a year of meaningful progress and the close of our five-year strategic plan. What we achieved over that time was possible because of the dedication of our global community to building a more connected, sustainable, and thriving specialty coffee sector. ​

The themes we committed to in 2021 focused on four areas: driving a sustainable specialty coffee agenda, expanding our global network through local communities, creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, and delivering outstanding service worldwide. I'm proud of what we built and grateful to everyone who contributed to it.​

One of the most significant milestones of 2025 was the SCA's assumption of administration of the Q Grader License from the Coffee Quality Institute. Bringing this trusted credential under the same umbrella as our existing education system is a long-term investment in a clear, more unified pathway for our industry. It is the kind of structural work that takes time to do well, and we did not take it lightly.​

Our partnerships grew in meaningful ways this year. At the Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston, we formalized a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation, a significant step toward enhancing the differentiation, traceability, and global appreciation of Colombian specialty coffees. Formal partnerships followed with the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association and the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia, extending the reach of our Coffee Value Assessment into major producing origins and putting better tools directly in the hands of producers.​

We were also proud to recognize Black Baza Coffee Co. and Fairtrade International as our 2025 Sustainability Award winners, two organizations doing the hard, necessary work of building a more equitable and environmentally responsible coffee sector. Their recognition reflects a commitment we hold as an industry: that sustainability is central to the integrity of our industry.​

World of Coffee Jakarta marked another milestone: our first-ever trade show event held in a coffee-producing country, bringing the global specialty coffee community directly to origin. At Host Milano, we were also proud to announce that World of Coffee will come to Bogotá in 2027, a moment that felt fitting given everything the year's partnerships represent.​

None of this happens without people. I have deep appreciation for each of you: to the producers investing in quality under real pressure, to the baristas, roasters, and retailers serving their communities with craft and care, and to our volunteers: chapter leaders, judges, committee members, and instructors who give generously of their time and expertise. To our staff, whose professionalism and dedication make our ambitious work possible, thank you. ​

With appreciation, 

Yannis Apostolopoulos

Chief Executive Officer

Specialty Coffee Association