Introduction to Cupping for Robusta Coffee

CQI is training cuppers in the Philippines to evaluate and grade fine Robusta coffees, in partnership with ACDI/VOCA, the Philippines Coffee Board, the Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia. The 40 cuppers came from various coffee-related backgrounds and represented wide range of coffee experiences. The trainings gave everyone an opportunity to learn how to evaluate Robusta coffees and to gradually get used to a common cupper’s language to describe the smelling and tasting sensations when evaluating Robustas.

The Philippines is predominantly producing commercial grade Robusta, with little focus on quality improvements. For the first time, CQI and its local partners in the Philippines are in the position to change this; Robusta farmers can increase their income by improving their coffees through better agricultural practices, harvest and post-harvest management and improved marketing systems.