MILTON KEYNES, UK – Katherine McCarthy, Coffee Specialist at UCC Coffee UK & Ireland has been re-awarded one of the coffee industry’s highest accolades, Q Grader status following a two-year break from the coffee industry.
Previously achieving Q-Grader status in 2014, Katherine McCarthy passed the challenging Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) course for the second time positioning her among the leading coffee specialists in the world, with less than 100 making the grade in the UK.
To qualify as a Q Grader, means completing an intense six-day course, including three days of exams, sensory triangulation (selecting the odd one out based on coffee origin), coffee cupping (to grade the coffees) and green grading (ascertaining defects in green beans).
The news follows further expansion to UCC Coffee’s quality team, with the appointment of Peter Wolthuizen as senior product developer and blender. Peter, who has been part of the coffee team at UCC Coffee BENELUX for over 30 years, has been appointed to take on responsibility for coffee quality and blending across UCC Coffee’s Northern Region including roasteries in Dartford and Bolsward, The Netherlands.
Elaine Swift, regional director (N\orth), UCC Coffee comments: “Our team is the best in the industry, and they are at the very heart of our success. Katherine’s achievement not only reflects her passion for coffee but further cements her coffee credentials. She’s a real asset to the UCC team and her Q Grader status demonstrates our dedication to recognising quality coffee and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
“We’re also delighted to announce an expansion of our coffee quality team. Peter, comes with a wealth of unrivalled experience and expertise and we’re delighted to have him on board as we continuously work to develop our total coffee solution.”
