International Experts Evaluate the Country’s Most Exclusive Coffees in Prestigious Global Competition

Coffee specialists from seven countries are participating this week in one of the most prestigious specialty coffee competitions in the world: the Cup of Excellence 2026.

The event brings together international judges and local producers to select the Costa Rican coffees recognized for their exceptional quality, traceability, and innovation in a process that could open the doors to premium international markets.

A Global Showcase for Specialty Coffee

The international round of the competition is taking place at Hotel Savegre in San Gerardo de Dota, where expert cuppers are evaluating 40 coffee samples previously selected during the national stage.

Countries represented on the international jury panel include the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Estonia, and the United Kingdom, alongside specialized Costa Rican tasters.

The competition is organized globally by the Alliance for Coffee Excellence and coordinated locally by the Specialty Coffee Association of Costa Rica (SCACR).

How the Best Coffees Are Selected

During several blind tasting sessions, judges analyze characteristics such as aroma, acidity, body, sweetness, balance, and the sensory complexity of each coffee.

The process is known for its strict standards of transparency and traceability. Every sample goes through multiple evaluation stages before reaching the international round.

According to SCACR, only the highest-scoring coffees will qualify for the international online auction scheduled for July, where specialized buyers from around the world will be able to bid on the winning lots.

Costa Rican Coffees Aim for Premium Markets

The Cup of Excellence is considered one of the most important platforms for promoting specialty coffees internationally.

Producers who qualify often gain worldwide recognition and access to buyers willing to pay significantly higher prices for high-quality, limited-production coffees.

In previous editions, coffees from regions such as Los Santos, Pérez Zeledón, West Valley, and Central Valley have stood out for their unique profiles and innovative processing methods.

The competition has also encouraged the development of microlots, experimental techniques, and highly valued coffee varieties such as Geisha and Catuaí.

A Key Sector for the Economy and National Identity

Coffee remains one of the country’s most iconic agricultural products and an internationally recognized symbol of national identity.

Institutions such as the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) state that the growth of the specialty coffee market has created new opportunities for small and medium-sized producers.

Beyond its economic impact, the coffee sector is also closely connected to rural tourism, sustainability, and agricultural innovation throughout different regions of the country.

International Auction Scheduled for July

The coffees selected during the international round will later participate in a global online auction scheduled for July 9.

During this virtual event, buyers, roasters, and specialty coffee companies from around the world will compete to acquire the winning lots, often reaching record prices within the specialty coffee industry.

Competition organizers believe that initiatives like this strengthen the international reputation of Costa Rican coffee and help position the country among the world’s leading producers of high-quality specialty coffee.