Robusta Coffee Grading

Coffee grading is a system used to classify coffee beans based on their defect count, size, shape and sensory profile.  An increasingly common Robusta grading system used across different countries in the coffee industry is the CQI method.  This protocol includes a coffee cupping assessment where by a coffee is given a score out of 100 points and Robusta coffees over 80 points are rated as fine.  As Robusta coffee is evolving and improving hugely in quality this system is becoming more and more important over time.

We have a licenced Q Robusta grader working is part of our operation, one of only four in the UK, and can provide full assessment to CQI standards of the green grade and of the sensory profile of samples.  This is different from a Q certificate provided by CQI, but follows the same grading and testing methodology and is carried out by a licenced Q grader. Clients who use this service find said it provides them with a sound independent view of a coffee’s inherent quality.

There are a number of times in the value chain when our clients typically ask for coffee to be graded to CQI standards.  These are analysing quality available from potential new suppliers, approval of pre shipment samples on open contracts, confirmation of quality at the point of coffee landing at port, and for reassessment of stock held in warehouse.

We ask for 350g sample of each green coffee you would like graded and completed reports our delivered seven working days after receipt of the physical sample at our quality lab.  Any remaining sample can be returned on request as well.

Pricing varies on the number of samples we receive and follows the following structure:

1 – 3 samples: £150 plus VAT per sample

4 – 7 samples: £135 plus VAT per sample

8+ samples: £120 plus VAT per sample