The Cup of Excellence (COE) has long been hailed as the pinnacle of coffee quality competitions, often dubbed "The Olympics of Coffee." At a recent panel during SCA Expo Chicago 2024, industry experts gathered to reflect on the past 25 years of COE and discuss its future trajectory. Moderated by Susie Spindler, the panel included Vanúsia Nogueira from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), Geoff Watts from Azahar Coffee, Blanca Castro from the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA), and Erwin Mierisch from Cup of Excellence.

The discussion centered on the importance of encouraging women in coffee, particularly farmers, to become trained in cupping and judging. Recognizing the significant contributions of women to the coffee industry, the panelists emphasized the need for gender equity and empowerment at every stage of the coffee value chain.

Vanusia Nogueira highlighted the partnership between IWCA and COE to increase the participation of women in coffee cupping and judging. Through initiatives like training programs tailored to women farmers, access to resources, and market opportunities, Nogueira stressed the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable coffee industry.

Erwin Mierisch echoed Nogueira's sentiments, emphasizing the economic and social benefits of empowering women in coffee-producing regions. As a coffee producer himself, Mierisch emphasized the need for education and training programs to enhance women's productivity and improve the quality of their coffee. By investing in women's empowerment, Mierisch believes we can create healthier and more resilient coffee communities.

Geoff Watts, a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement, shared insights from his extensive industry experience. As a green coffee buyer, Watts advocated for Direct Trade as a means to address inequities in the coffee value chain. By working directly with farmers and focusing on quality, Watts believes we can create more reliable value in the marketplace while empowering coffee producers.

Blanca Castro, representing IWCA, emphasized the importance of representation and participation of women in decision-making processes within the coffee industry. By promoting women to leadership roles and ensuring their voices are heard, Castro believes we can drive positive change and foster a more inclusive coffee sector.

Overall, the panel highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing women in coffee. By providing women with access to training, resources, and market opportunities, we can create a more sustainable and equitable coffee industry that benefits everyone involved. As we look to the future of COE and specialty coffee, let us continue to empower women and build a more inclusive coffee community.