Specialty coffee · Worth knowing

The CQI Arabica Processing Professional Course V3.0 is a six-day field-based program in Indonesia (November 30 – December 5, 2026) designed for professionals working with post-harvest processing. Led by Johan Kwe, a processing specialist from Sumatra, the course deepens theoretical knowledge of main processing methods, teaches best practices, and provides hands-on experience with quality control systems to develop skillsets for achieving different flavor profiles through processing. The program combines lectures, team activities, applied lessons, and cuppings, requiring attendees to pass both theoretical and practical tests for certification.

Bennetts' Quality Control Technician Jason participated as an international jury member in the 2nd Gems of Yunnan competition, a Cup of Excellence pilot program in China's Yunnan province. The competition showcased washed, honey, natural, and experimental coffees, with Jason experiencing the COE scoring framework firsthand to assess quality across detailed sensory attributes. Over the past decade, Yunnan has shifted from volume-focused commercial production to specialty coffee, with producers, researchers, and government agencies promoting fully ripe cherry picking and refining fermentation and processing techniques, helping the region reach over 40% specialty-grade production by 2025. Following his return to Melbourne, Jason co-hosted a public cupping with Slurps Up Melbourne presenting the top 10 lots from the competition, where he shared insights about Yunnan's coffee sector and the industry's transition toward quality-focused production supported by international initiatives like Cup of Excellence.