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

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.

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.

Yes, we follow SCA guidelines for moisture, water activity, density, and green grading.

We use SCA guidelines for QC, measuring moisture, water activity, density, and defects. Our protocols ensure quality is maintained from purchase to arrival.

Yes, our QC processes are detailed on our website under the quality page.

Quality is subjective. For Project Origin, it combines cup profile, purpose, price, and producer relationship, which might differ from others' definitions.

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.

Cup scores are a common language in the industry, helping us communicate quality with roasters while maintaining strong producer relationships.

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.

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.

We prioritize expressive cup profiles in CM Selections. Green grading is still evolving for these coffees, balancing visual assessment with flavour.

We value flavour over appearance. Even if beans look bad, high cupping scores (e.g., 90 points) mean the coffee still has value.

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.

We always follow QC protocols, with minor exceptions for unique processing methods. Cup profile and score remain the primary focus.

No, we never send coffee back to origin.

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