What is the difference between specialty coffee and commercial grade?
The difference between specialty and commercial coffee is defined by quality and traceability. scores 80 points or higher on the SCA scale, is free of primary defects, and is traceable to its origin. Commercial-grade coffee is typically mass-produced, often contains more defects, and is traded as a commodity without regard for specific farm-level quality or origin.
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The distinction between and commercial-grade coffee is the most important divide in the industry. It is not just about the taste; it is about the entire philosophy of how coffee is grown, processed, traded, and roasted. is a movement focused on quality, sustainability, and transparency, while commercial coffee is focused on volume, consistency, and low cost.
is defined by the Association (SCA) as coffee that scores 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale. This score is awarded by certified professionals who evaluate the coffee for its aroma, flavor, acidity, body, and balance. Beyond the score, must be free of primary defects and traceable to its specific origin. This means you can often find out exactly which farm or produced your beans.
Commercial-grade coffee, often referred to as 'commodity' coffee, is the coffee you find in most supermarkets and large chain cafes. It is grown on a massive scale, often using mechanical harvesting that picks both ripe and unripe cherries. Because the focus is on volume, the processing is less rigorous, and the beans are often roasted to a very dark level to mask the inconsistencies and defects that are common in large, mixed-quality lots.
This difference has a profound impact on the farmers. roasters typically pay a premium for high-quality beans, which allows farmers to invest in better equipment, better processing, and better wages for their workers. Commercial coffee is traded on the global commodities market, where prices are volatile and often fall below the cost of production, leaving farmers with little incentive or ability to improve their quality.
In practice, the difference is clear in your cup. offers a wide range of flavors—from floral and fruity to chocolatey and nutty—that reflect the unique of the region where it was grown. Commercial coffee tends to have a more uniform, 'roasty' flavor that is consistent but lacks complexity. By choosing , you are not just getting a better-tasting drink; you are supporting a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.
- ·https://sca.coffee/research/coffee-standardsVerify source for reference 1 ↗
- ·https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/Coffee-GradingVerify source for reference 2 ↗