The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a worldwide coffee community and promoting specialty coffee as a thriving, equitable, and sustainable industry. Formed in January 2017 through the unification of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), the SCA combines rich histories from both sides of the Atlantic and around the world. The former 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 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.
Mission and Vision
The SCA's mission is to engage, inspire, and expand a sustainable global specialty coffee community through leadership in events, education, and research. Its vision is to create an effective, authentic, and dynamic organization that gives voice and substance to the possibilities for specialty coffee worldwide.
Strategic Objectives
The SCA focuses on several strategic objectives:
1. Making the specialty coffee industry more sustainable through partnerships, education, research, and advocacy.
2. Creating opportunities for professional engagement and individual growth through its network and programs.
3. Expanding its global network and enhancing stakeholder experiences by working with local communities.
4. Delivering outstanding service to members of the global specialty coffee community.
Financials
As of 2023, the SCA reported total revenues of $19,482,937, marking a 27.27% year-over-year growth. The primary revenue sources include membership training, conferences and meetings, and other contributions. Total expenses for the same period were $14,120,552, with compensation for non-officers/directors and conferences being the top expense categories. The association's total assets stood at $24,147,527, reflecting a 27.90% increase from the previous year.
Membership
The SCA offers various membership categories tailored to individuals and companies within the coffee industry. Company memberships are structured based on annual revenue, ranging from Small Company (less than $1 million) to Corporate (over $20 million). Benefits include access to cutting-edge coffee science, market research, sustainability reports, discounts on event participation, and opportunities for professional engagement.
Research and Innovation
The SCA is committed to advancing coffee science and industry standards. It conducts research across various domains, including chemistry, physics, agronomy, and sensory perception, to develop education, standards, and best practices for the specialty coffee trade. Notable initiatives include the SCA Coffee Value Assessment, which integrates advances in sensory and coffee science to facilitate value distribution throughout the supply chain.
Events and Competitions
The SCA organizes several flagship events and competitions to promote excellence and innovation in the coffee industry:
- World Barista Championship: Celebrating its 25th edition in October 2025 in Milan, this premier competition showcases the skills of baristas worldwide.
- World of Coffee: An annual trade show with editions in various global locations, including Geneva (June 2025), Bangkok (May 2026), and Brussels (June 2026).
- Specialty Coffee Expo: Rebranded as World of Coffee from 2026, with the first North American event under this name set to take place in San Diego in April 2026.
Sustainability Initiatives
The SCA recognizes and supports sustainability efforts within the coffee industry through its annual Sustainability Awards. Finalists for the 2024 awards include organizations like Black Baza Coffee Co., Neighbors & Crops, Sancoffee, Amavida Coffee and Trading Company, International Women's Coffee Alliance, Root Capital, Blockchain Coffee Beans, and TechnoServe. These organizations have demonstrated significant contributions to social and environmental sustainability in coffee production and trade.
Competitor Profile
While the SCA operates as a nonprofit association, it shares the specialty coffee industry's landscape with various organizations and companies. Notable entities include:
- World Coffee Events: Organizes global coffee competitions and events, contributing to the promotion of coffee excellence worldwide.
- Perfect Daily Grind: A media platform providing coffee news, education, and insights, serving as a resource for coffee professionals and enthusiasts.
- Roast Magazine: A publication dedicated to the art and science of coffee roasting, offering industry news, research, and profiles.
These organizations, along with the SCA, play pivotal roles in advancing the specialty coffee industry through education, events, and community engagement.
Contact Information
- Website: sca.coffee
- LinkedIn: Specialty Coffee Association
The SCA continues to serve as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry, dedicated to making coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach.
