Who is a Q-Grader?

A Q-Grader is a highly qualified and certified professional in coffee quality evaluation.

More specifically:

1. Certification: A Q-Grader is certified by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) through a rigorous training and examination program. This program is internationally recognized and follows the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

2. Skills: A Q-Grader has extensive knowledge of the coffee supply chain, from cultivation to roasting to tasting. They are experts in identifying and describing the sensory characteristics of coffee, including aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and aftertaste.

3. Role: The primary role of a Q-Grader is to evaluate the quality of green and roasted coffee. This is done through cupping sessions, during which the coffee is tasted following a specific protocol to determine its score on a scale from 0 to 100. Only coffees scoring above 80 can be classified as Specialty Coffee.

4. Objectivity: Q-Graders are trained to be objective and consistent in their evaluations. They must be able to distinguish subtle differences in coffee samples and provide accurate and reliable assessments.

5. Importance in the Industry: Q-Grader certification is essential for ensuring quality and consistency in the coffee industry. Q-Graders often work with roasters, coffee traders, producers, and other key figures in the industry to ensure that the coffee meets the required quality standards.

In summary, a Q-Grader is a coffee expert with deep knowledge and competence in coffee quality evaluation, whose work is fundamental in maintaining high standards in the specialty coffee sector.

LBF Group is dedicated to quality coffee. For this reason, we provide our certified Q-Grader and state-of-the-art laboratory for any information and evaluation you may need. We are always ready to share our expertise and ensure that every coffee bean meets the highest standards of excellence.