About CQI: The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) is a non-profit organization working internationally to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of people who produce it.

The Q Coffee System: The Q Coffee System identifies quality coffees and brings them to market through a credible and verifiable system. A common standard for both Q Arabica, (Specialty Grade) and Q Robusta (Fine Robusta Grade) coffee has resulted in a universally shared language and standard top scoring lots. The Q engages the industry at the producer level to identify lots for specialty, at the export/import level by certifying individuals to grade coffees, and at the buyer level to offer a consumer-facing product with the Q mark.

The Q System: A good bean is the first step toward achieving a perfect cup of coffee. Reinforcing the standards of specialty coffee links everyone in the supply chain with an integrity that shows pride in the product. According to SCA standards for Arabica, a coffee that is free of primary defects or unclean odors and scores 80 or above on the SCAA cupping form is considered Specialty Grade. While many variables in roasting and brewing affect the taste of coffee, Q Coffees™ confirm that the beans being used are Specialty and among the highest quality in the world. This is the only mark that certified coffees on a quality scale for Arabica.