Specialty coffee in Colombia, unlike commercial coffee, is that which has more than 80 points in bean quality according to the Specialty Coffee Association's Cupping Score. This is the name given to this grading process for a type of coffee based on its quality.
In Colombia, the consumption of this type of coffee has been increasing , despite the fact that historically the highest-quality beans are shipped abroad. In this article, we'll give you some figures on the growth of specialty coffee in Colombia.
A good future is expected for specialty coffee
According to Roberto Vélez Vallejo, manager of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, Colombia has been promoting the production of specialty and origin coffee for decades. The specialty coffee segment represents approximately 12% of global consumption, a volume similar to that of the Colombian harvest.
According to a study on the coffee production chain, over the last decade, there has been a shift toward specialty coffee production, which requires specialized practices in seed selection and production, the use of vegetative material for crop establishment, planting, maintenance, harvesting, collection, processing, and drying, among other processes.
The share of specialty coffees in exports has been increasing : While in 2010 it was 37%, in August 2022 (12 years later) it reached 52% (+15 pp. share).
Market research firm Kantar says premium coffee is expected to reach more than one million new households by 2023, based on consumption patterns observed in 2022.
The rituals associated with specialty coffee
Interest in coffee production processes is no longer the same as before: Colombians are now more willing to try new flavors and appreciate quality coffee, even though these are more expensive due to the preparation methods.
The specialty coffee market has gained importance thanks to high-quality stores , where the consumer has the opportunity to slowly taste the different flavors, smell the variety of fragrances, and learn about their origin.
In fact, a study called "Specialty Coffee Consumption in Medellín by Young Adults" indicates that they visit gourmet coffee shops on a daily basis, and that the characteristics that define the quality of a coffee are flavor, aroma, and roasting process.
In particular, the young adults interviewed have increased their frequency of specialty coffee consumption in their daily lives, and their preferences are guided primarily by the quality of the coffee offered.
They look for stores that offer friendly, dedicated, and attentive customer service. They prefer stores that are sustainable in their production and operational processes.
These are young people who consider themselves truly knowledgeable about specialty coffee, the product, and its derivatives.
However, one of the obstacles to continued growth in specialty coffee consumption is that its preparation requires equipment such as an AeroPress, V60 or cone filter, espresso machine, French press, among others.
The Coffee Shop: A platform to promote specialty coffee in Colombia
Although Colombia has increased its coffee imports in recent years and many households consume international coffee, we are committed to domestic talent and production .
At the Coffee Shop, we're a web portal that brings together the best specialty coffees in the country and delivers them to your doorstep through a subscription system. In our online store, you can choose the strength of your coffees and the quantity you want to receive each month, depending on your needs.
We select the best from more than 5,000 100% Colombian brands, verifying each coffee's origin, quality, and specialty status.