The Cup of Excellence (COE) is one of the most prestigious competitions in the coffee world, dedicated to discovering and awarding the best specialty coffees from producing countries. This 2024 competition took place in Córdoba, Veracruz, highlighting the efforts of producers who strive to cultivate exceptional coffee beans.
What is Cup of Excellence?
Cup of Excellence is a competition and auction held in several coffee-producing countries. Participating coffees undergo rigorous cupping and judging by a panel of national and international judges. Winning coffees not only receive recognition but also the opportunity to be auctioned at premium prices, which directly benefits the producers.
The Cup of Excellence is not only a platform for high-quality coffees, but also a driving force for change in producing communities. Auction prices allow producers to invest in farm improvements, training, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, international recognition opens doors to new markets and business opportunities.
This year, Ilustre Coffee had the honor of participating in this prestigious event for the second time. Ilustre Coffee roaster Rudy Altamirano played a key role in the competition by roasting the different coffee varieties that competed. Rudy's dedication and knowledge were reflected in each roasted bean, contributing to the success and recognition of the coffees presented.
Being part of the Cup of Excellence has been an enriching and learning experience for Ilustre Coffee. From Rudy's dedication to roasting to collaborating with passionate producers, every step of the process has strengthened our commitment to coffee excellence.
Click here to see more of our Taza 2024 experience!