MILAN – After an intense week of testing and evaluations, the Cup of Excellence (COE) 2024—considered the most prestigious coffee competition in the world—has announced the winners from Brazil in three categories: Experimental (highlighting coffee that undergo induced fermentation), Dry (assessing sun-dried and naturally processed coffee), and Wet Process (evaluating coffee that have been pulped, de-mucilaged and hulled).
In total, there were 13 coffees with impressive scores above 90, sourced from 10 different regions across the country.
The top evaluations in each category were earned by Ronaldo da Silva from Sítio Santa Luzia, with 92.32 points, and Vitor Marcelo Barbosa from Fazenda Sobrado e Bonito de Cima, with 91.93 points
“We are extremely proud of this 25th-anniversary edition, which took place where it all began—in Brazil. The quality of these coffees was remarkable, with high scores that truly impressed everyone. These discoveries, which we make each year through the competition, represent the legacy that BSCA brings to the world. Our goal is to continue uncovering and showcasing the diversity and quality of Brazilian specialty coffee,” said Vinicius Estrela, Executive Director of the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA), which organizes the COE in Brazil, in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).
A total of 27 international COE winners were selected by 22 judges from various countries. The winning coffees will be available for purchase in an online auction on the ACE website on December 10th, where top buyers from around the globe will compete to acquire these exclusive lots.
“I see refinement and sophistication, that’s what defines this year’s competition. The key phrase would be ‘coffee with elegance and sweetness’. I was amazed by a few samples that offered me something I had never experienced before. Brazil has this unique characteristic of showcasing diversity at a very high level and in abundance in one place,” said Jesús Salazar, head judge of the COE.
The specialty coffee market is booming and is projected to reach $152.62 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by Brainy Insights. This competition plays a crucial role in gaining recognition and boosting the market; for producers, it can be a life-changing opportunity.
“I am very happy; we worked so hard to win first place in an award like this. I’ve been working with coffee since I was a child, and bringing value to our coffee is what motivates us to keep pushing forward on this path. I would like to thank BSCA for encouraging us to take part in the competition, even though we are small producers. This will truly change our lives, as buyers will now seek us out much more—not just for the winning coffee, but for other varieties as well”, said Ronaldo da Silva, from Sítio Santa Luzia.
Brazil, the largest coffee producer and exporter in the world, there are 34 producing regions and over 150 coffee varieties. Its sensory profile goes beyond the traditional notes associated with Brazilian coffee—such as chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Dedication to quality and research into post-harvest processing methods such as anaerobic fermentation, has yielded rare and exotic flavors and aromas such as passion fruit, blueberry, wild strawberry preserves, brilliant acidity and velvety body, among others that are considered unique.
Origins & history
Launched in 1999 in Brazil by BSCA, in partnership with the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the Cup of Excellence project aims to help farmers gain recognition and add value to high-quality coffee.
According to Marcelo Vieira, producer and one of the founders of the Cup of Excellence, the initiative began when he and a group of coffee growers recognized the significant impact of quality on coffee value.
“We realized that we needed to take better care of the beans by improving quality. We sought market insights from experts in Europe, the United States, and Japan, and then brought in the top tasters. Through this process, we learned that quality is key, and we should encourage our producers to focus on quality over quantity. The competition was a great way to achieve this while satisfying international buyers and helping Brazil gain recognition for its superior coffee quality.”
The project has opened doors for the coffee sector and has become a success story, with editions held in several countries worldwide. The sale of winning coffees through online auctions significantly exceeds traditional sales methods, offering unparalleled recognition for quality.
About BSCA
Since 1991, BSCA has been internationally recognized as a leader in the production of fine coffee in Brazil. Its activities focus on disseminating and promoting technical improvement in the production, commercialization and industrialization of specialty coffee, while also advocating for environmental preservation and sustainable.
Through partnerships for research, quality control technique dissemination and promotional activities, BSCA elevates the standards of excellence for Brazilian coffee in domestic and international markets. Additionally, it certifies lots in Brazil that can be monitored through specialty coffee quality control seals, ensuring full traceability for consumers.
