The Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to adopt the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) as the official protocol for evaluating Brazilian speciality coffees.

Brazil becomes the second country to integrate the CVA into its national quality framework, following Colombia. The CVA, developed by SCA, evaluates coffee based on a broader set of criteria beyond flavour, including physical, affective, descriptive and extrinsic attributes.

Vinicius Estrela, executive director of the BSCA, said: “This MoU reflects our commitment to strengthening Brazil’s leadership in speciality coffee through innovation, education and global connection. By adopting the Coffee Value Assessment as our official protocol and working closely with the SCA to expand training and education, we’re creating new opportunities for producers and helping shape a more inclusive and transparent future for coffee.”

The agreement also outlines a plan to expand access to SCA education and certification programmes in Brazil. BSCA will lead the rollout of training for coffee professionals across the country, in areas such as cupping, roasting and quality management.

SCA will provide technical support to implement the CVA, including training BSCA’s cuppers and technical teams, assisting in data collection and supporting national events.

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, added: “Brazil’s endorsement of the Coffee Value Assessment is a powerful signal to the global coffee community. Together with BSCA, we are laying the foundation for a more transparent, inclusive and informed coffee industry. This is how we make coffee better – for producers, for buyers and for coffee lovers around the world.”

The partnership formalises an ongoing relationship between the two organisations and aligns Brazil’s coffee evaluation practices with an emerging international standard.