🏛️ Jury Application Process

The jury selection is the foundation of Cup of Excellence quality assessment. International coffee experts apply to evaluate the finest coffees from Nicaragua.

What is a Cup of Excellence Jury?

Cup of Excellence juries are composed of international coffee professionals including roasters, buyers, quality control experts, and coffee sommeliers who evaluate coffees through rigorous cupping protocols.

How to Become a Jury Member:

• Submit application with coffee credentials and experience
• Demonstrate proficiency in cupping and coffee evaluation
• Commit to 5-day evaluation period in Nicaragua
• Pass calibration tests for consistency
• Cover travel and accommodation expenses

☕ Producer Submission Phase

Coffee producers across Nicaragua submit their finest lots for evaluation. This stage is crucial as it determines the pool of coffees that will compete for excellence recognition.

Why Producer Submission Matters:

• Showcases Nicaragua's diverse coffee terroir and processing methods
• Provides market access for small and medium producers
• Establishes direct relationships with international buyers
• Elevates Nicaragua's reputation in specialty coffee

Submission Requirements:

• Minimum 10 bags (69kg each) per lot
• Cupping score above 84 points
• Complete traceability documentation
• Processing and farm details

🔍 Pre-Selection Round

Local cupping experts conduct the initial evaluation to identify the most promising coffees. This crucial filtering stage ensures only exceptional coffees advance to the national jury.

The Pre-Selection Process:

A team of certified Nicaraguan coffee professionals evaluates all submissions using Cup of Excellence protocols. Coffees must score 86+ points to advance to the National Jury Round.

Local Evaluation Team:

• Maria Elena Robelo - Head Judge, 15 years experience
• Carlos Mendez - Q Grader, Export specialist
• Ana Patricia Torres - Processing expert
• Roberto Jarquin - Terroir analysis specialist

Score Range	Number of Coffees	Status
90+ points	8	Direct to International
86-89.9 points	35	Advanced to National
84-85.9 points	47	National Reserve
Below 84	52	Did not advance

🇳🇮 National Jury Round

The National Jury, composed of experienced Nicaraguan coffee professionals and select international observers, conducts the penultimate evaluation before the final international round.

National Jury Composition:

• 6 Nicaraguan coffee experts (Q Graders and certified cuppers)
• 2 International observers from previous COE events
• 1 Alliance for Coffee Excellence representative

Evaluation Process:

Each coffee is cupped multiple times over 3 days, with scores normalized and averaged. Only coffees scoring 87+ points advance to the International Round.

View National Jury Profiles →

🌍 International Jury Round

Coffee professionals from around the world gather in Nicaragua to evaluate the finalist coffees. This prestigious panel represents the global specialty coffee community.

Why International Jurors?

International perspectives ensure that winning coffees appeal to global markets and meet international quality standards. Jurors bring diverse palate preferences and market knowledge.

2025 International Jury:

Juror	Country	Expertise
Sarah Mitchell	🇺🇸 USA	Head Roaster, Blue Bottle
Hiroshi Tanaka	🇯🇵 Japan	Specialty Importer
Lars Andersen	🇳🇴 Norway	Coffee Buyer, Tim Wendelboe
Sofia Rodriguez	🇪🇸 Spain	SCA Certified Trainer
James Wilson	🇦🇺 Australia	Quality Control Manager

Complete International Jury List →

⚖️ Cup of Excellence Auction

The culmination of the Cup of Excellence program! International buyers compete to purchase these exceptional coffees directly from producers at premium prices.

How the COE Auction Works:

• Online platform accessible to registered specialty coffee buyers worldwide
• Minimum bid starts at $5.00/lb above Fair Trade minimum
• Auction runs for 48 hours with dynamic bidding
• Producers receive premium prices directly
• Buyers get exclusive access to award-winning coffees

Expected Auction Highlights:

Previous Year Results:

Nicaragua COE 2024 achieved an average auction price of $12.75/lb, with the winning lot selling for $47.50/lb - demonstrating the exceptional value these competitions create for producers.

Register for Auction → View Auction Catalog →