1. Introduction Letter

The report opens with a personalized note from the FCA Flavor Expert Panel. This message frames the evaluation as a respectful collaboration between farmers and quality professionals. It outlines the dedication behind the process—long-distance travel, roasting calibration, sensory discussions, and data analysis—reflecting FCA’s belief in rigorous yet human-centered evaluation.

2. About FCA

This section introduces Fun’s Choice Alliance as a global quality initiative founded by a CQI instructor with nearly 30 years of cupping experience. FCA unites Q-Graders, roasters, and sensory professionals to scale flavor evaluation systems with one goal: to promote transparency, build trust, and elevate smallholder recognition in the specialty coffee world.

3. Evaluation Methodology

FCA’s system includes two core modules:

• Description Evaluation
  Focuses on how flavor traits evolve with temperature. Cuppers use shared sensory vocabulary and terroir knowledge to describe taste over time.
• Score Range Evaluation
  Combines SCA scoring protocols with FCA’s proprietary Coffee Value Assessment (CVA). All results are cross-validated across a multicultural panel for fairness and consistency.

4. Sample Information Summary

This snapshot offers full traceability:

• Sample ID, origin, processing method
• Evaluation locations (e.g., Beijing and Athens)
• Final score (e.g., 83.70 for Yirgacheffe Aricha)

This helps buyers quickly position the coffee within the specialty market context.

5. Q-Grader Score Breakdown

Each key attribute—aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, and overall impression—is rated using the 10-point SCA scale. Scores are based on consensus from certified Q-graders. With a score over 83, this coffee qualifies as specialty grade.

6. Flavor Description

More than a list of notes, this section reads like a sensory journey.

• Starts with rose and red flower
• Evolves into berry, citrus, apricot, and coconut
• Finishes with honey, molasses, juicy acidity, and a long, clean aftertaste

This vivid narrative is useful not just for cuppers—but also for marketers, baristas, and educators.

7. Value-Added Services

FCA supports trade with three key offerings:

• Gold Badge Certification: Recognized quality seal for sample bags
• Third-Party Bulk Inspection: Ensures consistency before shipping
• AI Double-Model Cupping: Combines Q-grader input with ProfilePrint’s fingerprinting to validate green bean quality at scale

8. AI Double-Model Cupping

This pioneering approach merges:

• Expert cupping by certified graders
• AI analysis of green bean chemistry

The result: a faster, more repeatable, and scalable evaluation system—useful from early sampling to container-level transactions. It builds confidence for buyers and ensures fairness for producers.

In Summary

• Tells a coffee’s story
• Validates its value
• Supports smarter, fairer decisions across the supply chain