In the coffee industry you might have heard talk about the “S-C-A” standards, or even certifications; but what is the S.C.A and what does it all mean ? In this post we’ll cover the basics of what the Specialty Coffee Association is and how it benefits you as a consumer, barista or coffee enthusiast.
ABOUT THE SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION
The SCA ( Specialty Coffee Association ) as stated on their website (SCA.COFFEE) :
” The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a trade association built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge. ”
SCA’s purpose is to foster global coffee communities to support activities to make coffee a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving activity for the whole value chain.
From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, our membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain.
The SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach.
HISTORY OF THE SCA
Established in January 2017 as a result of the unification of the Specialty Coffee Association of America and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, the SCA combines rich histories on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world.
The former Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) was established in 1982 by a small group of coffee professionals seeking a common forum to discuss issues and set quality standards for the specialty coffee trade.
The former Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) was formed at a meeting of representatives of the European coffee community in London in 1998.
By 2016, both organizations had close to 10,000 members combined and supported a thriving network of volunteer-led chapters across Europe.
Dedicated to building an industry that is fair, sustainable, and nurturing for all, the SCA draws on years of insights and inspiration from the specialty coffee community.
SCA’S PURPOSE
The SCA will foster a global coffee community and support activity to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable activity for the entire value chain.
VISION
To create an effective, authentic and dynamic organization to give voice and substance to the possibilities for specialty coffee worldwide.
MISSION
Engage, inspire, and expand a sustainable global specialty coffee community through leadership in events, education, and research.
BENEFITS FOR BARISTAS AND COFFEE ENTHUSIASTS
Learning a new skill such as how to brew exceptional coffee to high standards, how to adequately clean and maintain coffee equipment, and how to provide great customer service are some of the many reasons to begin your education journey at any moment,
For more information, orientation and how to get started click here : Learn At Gustos
