Values / Quality
The Project Origin stamp of value comes from a relationship between score, cup profile, price and purpose. We take the combination of these four elements to establish a new understanding of quality in the coffee industry that works in tandem with our direct trade model. For more traditionally processed lots, we categorise the coffees into one of three labels: black, green and gold, depicting three groups of cup scores as a representation of cup profile. For our carbonic maceration processed coffees, we use the gemstone labels: Indigo, Jasper, Amber, Diamond and Opal, to represent colours and qualities in the CM cup profiles.
Our Labels
Black Label
Black label coffees score 83-85 points. These are reliable coffees that are popular for blends but can also be used as single origins.
Green Label
Green label coffees score 86-89 points. This range is diverse and can serve any purpose. Most Project Origin coffees sourced sit in this category.
Gold Label
Gold label coffees score 90+ points. These coffees are our premium range. They are rare and super high quality.
Regional Coffees
Regional coffees are a collection of green beans that represent a coffee growing area and provide a reliable offering each season that's popular for blends. This label utilises harvested coffee beans from small-holder farmers that do not become a micro-lot offering.
Supernatural Coffees
Supernatural coffees encompass a variety of experimental techniques. They are less about clarity and refinement and more about expressive, exciting, yet approachable profiles.
CM Selections
CM Selections label coffees are all coffees processed using the carbonic maceration techniques. They are categorised into five gemstone profiles: Diamond, Indigo, Jasper, Amber and Opal.
Our Quality Control Protocol
Our QC team measures every coffee that arrives in our warehouse. We record data to understand the coffee’s potential shelf life, and other helpful information for roasters. Each coffee shipped to us will be checked for its density, water activity, moisture content, and green grading. You can find more information about these measurements, our process and protocols in our QC Protocol below. This information is stored as additional notes to accompany the cupping results and farm details.
Our Quality Assessment
We take our coffees and our partner relationships very seriously. This is why we do what we can to celebrate what we have and to highlight the positives in every lot. We cup our coffees using an adapted version of the Cup of Excellence scoresheet so that we can reward the coffees for favourable qualities such as sweetness and clarity. We will never (ever) send beans back to origin, and we will always value the cup profiles of a lot over the appearance of the beans. We believe coffee exists to be enjoyed and drunk, so we stamp our quality based on this belief coupled with our value of maintaining and building relationships across the world.
Quality Control FAQs
What scoring system does Project Origin use?
We use an adapted version of the Cup of Excellence scoresheet, categorising coffees into Black (83-85 points), Green (86-89 points), and Gold (90+ points) labels. CM selections use gemstone labels.
How do we determine the cupping score?
Using a COE-adapted scoresheet, we prioritise cup profile over green grading or other quality measurements. This allows us to reward varying degrees of sweetness and clarity.
Do you use SCA standards for green bean assessment?
Yes, we follow SCA guidelines for moisture, water activity, density, and green grading.
What are Project Origin's quality control processes?
We use SCA guidelines for QC, measuring moisture, water activity, density, and defects. Our protocols ensure quality is maintained from purchase to arrival.
Can we publicly see what you do for QC measurements?
Yes, our QC processes are detailed on our website under the quality page.
Is your definition of quality the same as everyone else's?
Quality is subjective. For Project Origin, it combines cup profile, purpose, price, and producer relationship, which might differ from others' definitions.
If 'specialty' means 80 points and above, why don't you sell coffees under 83 points?
We focus on distinct flavours and sustainability, often more present in coffees scoring 83+ points. Lower scores often tie to commodity pricing, less sustainable for producers.
If you value relationships and cup profiles, why use cup scores?
Cup scores are a common language in the industry, helping us communicate quality with roasters while maintaining strong producer relationships.
Why put aside SCA standards and use your own version of specialty coffee?
While SCA standards guide us, practical issues like shipping and arrival condition may alter our approach. We focus on cup profile and quality, even if SCA standards aren't met upon arrival.
Why measure water activity, density, and moisture content?
These measurements help assess shelf life and any changes from sample to arrival. If outside expected ranges, we might fast-track usage or adjust purchase decisions.
How do you assess CM Selections coffee in green grading and cupping?
We prioritize expressive cup profiles in CM Selections. Green grading is still evolving for these coffees, balancing visual assessment with flavour.
What happens if a coffee tastes good but looks bad?
We value flavour over appearance. Even if beans look bad, high cupping scores (e.g., 90 points) mean the coffee still has value.
What if a coffee is full of defects?
It depends on the defect type. If affecting flavour, it might be sold at a discount. If not affecting flavour, it could still be offered at a lower price.
Do you always follow QC protocols or are there exceptions?
We always follow QC protocols, with minor exceptions for unique processing methods. Cup profile and score remain the primary focus.
Do you ever send coffee back to origin if it fails QC?
No, we never send coffee back to origin.
How much does a QC result influence our decision to buy or sell a coffee?
QC is crucial but not the sole factor. We consider cup profile, purpose, price, and producer relationship in our buying and selling decisions.
Quality
Quality, for us, is more than just a cupping score. We take the relationship of score, cup profile, price and purpose to stamp our Project Origin mark of value on a coffee.
Our Core Values
Sustainability
We take economic sustainability seriously. By working with farmers and producers directly, we can help create a sustainable business model that helps them both thrive and produce high quality specialty coffee beans.
Community
We value the community efforts that go into producing coffee and so we invest in projects that can better both the quality of the coffee and livelihoods of those working to produce it.
Stay up to date!
Stay up to date with our Project Origin projects and latest specialty green bean coffee imports
