BOGOTA, Colombia – Coffee growers interested in participating in the 2nd National Quality Contest “Colombia Land of Diversity” will now be able to register their lots up to February 15.
The decision to extend the contest’s registration deadline was a response to the request of coffee growers themselves and a result of the increase in rainfall that has taken place in recent months.
The National Quality Contest has captured the interest of Colombia’s coffee growers due to its innovative nature and to the awards it grants in each of its categories.
In 2016’s contest, José Anargel, coffee grower from the department of Tolima, received US$ 50.50 per pound.
This year, the contest’s awarding ceremony and auction will take place from April 4th to April 7th at Parque del Café in Montenegro, QuindÃo.
Who can participate?
Colombian coffee growers and all natural or legal personalities owning coffee growing farms in Colombia will be able to participate.
There will be two major categories: Small Lots (volume between 500 and 2,000 kilograms) and Large Lots (volume between 25,000 and 27,500 kilograms).
In the Small Lots category, only one coffee per farm or producer may participate. The following sensory attributes will be evaluated independently and a total of US$ 8,500 will be awarded to each winner.
- Acidity
- Body
- Mildness
- Balance
- Exoticness
The baseline quality requirements for participating in this category are: maximum 1% defects of the first group, 1% coffee berry borer, performance factor of no more than 93.33 and 12% humidity.
In the Large Lots category, only one coffee per producer or producer association may participate.
There will be a single prize of US$ 8,500 for the best estate coffee.
The baseline quality requirements for participating in this category are: maximum 1.5% defects of the first group, 2% coffee berry borer, performance factor of no more than 93.33 and 12% humidity.
Best Coffees Will Participate in International Auction
In addition to the US$ 8,500, the best coffees of each category will be able to participate in an international live auction.
The winners of each category will also be entitled to participate in next year’s contest. They will be placed directly in the international jury round, provided that their coffee meets the required quality standards.
For further information please reach out to the Coffee Growers Committee or Coffee Growers Cooperative of your area or email concurso.calidad@cafedecolombia.com.
