WHAT IS
SPECIALTY COFFEE?

Specialty coffee is coffee recognized for its distinctive characteristics and higher value in the market. In other words, it’s coffee that people find special. But what makes coffee special can differ between people and markets.

How does the SCA define specialty coffee?

For some, specialty coffee is about the flavor and aroma that makes it memorable. For others, it’s about the story behind the coffee; where it comes from, how it is produced, and the people behind it. “Special” or “specialty” can reflect a relationship with a local roaster or a commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing.

These qualities are what make specialty coffee valuable across the industry and meaningful to the people who experience it.

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The SCA defines specialty coffee as:

Specialty coffee is a coffee or coffee experience recognized for its distinctive attributes, and because of these attributes, it has significant extra value in the marketplace.

This definition goes beyond a single score or taste descriptor. It considers both intrinsic attributes, such as flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel, and extrinsic (informational) attributes, such as origin, producer, growing practices, and processing methods.

This broader approach recognizes that different people in different markets may value different characteristics. To assess and document coffee’s value in consistent and transparent ways, the SCA created the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).

For further information on the definition of specialty coffee, see the Towards a Definition of Specialty Coffee White Paper.

How the SCA supports the specialty coffee industry

The SCA supports the specialty coffee industry through research, standards, education, and tools designed to advance an understanding of coffee quality and value.

This work helps producers, buyers, roasters, and coffee professionals communicate more clearly across the coffee value chain. The Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) brings these efforts together in a practical, research-informed framework for evaluating coffee.  

Learn more about CVA
Coffee professional fills out a CVA Descriptive form
Coffee professional fills out a CVA Descriptive form

Continue learning about specialty coffee

If you want to deepen your understanding of specialty coffee, the SCA offers education programs, research, and industry events that help you build skills and stay connected with the global coffee community.

Learn more about education
Filter coffee pouring from one glass vessel to another